*New protocols are in place to screen for signs or symptoms of COVID-19. These include screening all adults and children for fever prior to entering the premises, questions regarding exposure, etc. All staff wear protective equipment (masks, face shields, gloves) while on the premises. Disinfecting processes ongoing throughout the day and deep cleaning every evening.
We understand the need for parents to have safe, regular, reliable care for their children. We also know how difficult it may be to stay home with a sick child; especially when parents are working full-time. to maintain a safe, healthy, nurturing environment for everyone.
Our priority here at Encouraging Kids is is to keep everyone safe and healthy. To do this we must insist that you keep your child home if he/she has ANY of the following:
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Fever, irritability, lethargy, persistent crying, or difficulty breathing - can be signs of illness.
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An upper respiratory illness , such as bronchiolitis or influenza.
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The common cold with coughing, sneezing, runny nose.
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Diarrhea, Vomiting, Bloody stools or stools containing mucus. These could be the sign of a viral or bacterial infection. (Give your doctor a call!)
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Rash. This is reason to keep your child home unless you know for sure that it's not linked to an infection (for example, if you know it's a reaction to eating strawberries).
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Chicken pox. Child is no longer contagious once all the sores have dried and crusted over.
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Impetigo. Kids with this skin disease are no longer contagious after 24 hours of antibiotics.
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Scabies. Once treated with a topical insecticide, it's no longer contagious.
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Bacterial conjunctivitis (pinkeye) and yellow discharge from the eye.
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Strep throat. It's usually not contagious after 24 hours of antibiotics.
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Mouth sores that cause excessive drooling. Wait until your doctor says they're not infectious
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Head lice. Your child can return after he or she has been thoroughly treated.
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Any other contagious diseases or illnesses not listed above.
*Program supervisors are responsible for deciding whether children are too ill to remain at our programs.
If you are contacted to pick up your child; we expect you to be there as soon as possible. If we cannot reach you; we expect someone else on your child’s emergency contact list will pick your child up. If your child is not picked up within 60 minutes of our call we must, as mandatory reporters, contact DCP&P (formerly DYFS) to have them pick up your child until you can be reached. We can all work together to keep our children as healthy as possible.