Purpose of This Policy
To maintain a healthy environment for all children and staff, we ask families to follow the guidelines
below when determining whether a child is well enough to attend our program. These policies help
prevent the spread of illness and ensure every child receives proper care.
When to Keep Your Child Home
Please keep your child home if they have any of the following:
• Fever of 100.4°F or higher within the past 24 hours
• Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
• Persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or wheezing
• Rash that is unexplained or possibly contagious
• Eye discharge, redness, or suspected conjunctivitis
• Sore throat with fever or swollen glands
• Lethargy, unusual irritability, or inability to participate in normal activities
• Any contagious illness diagnosed by a healthcare provider (e.g., strep throat, flu,
COVID-19, RSV, hand-foot-mouth disease)
Children must be symptom-free without medication for at least 24 hours before returning.
Return-to-Care Requirements
A child may return to the center when:
• They have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication
• They have not vomited or had diarrhea for 24 hours
• Symptoms have improved and the child can comfortably participate in daily activities
• Any required doctor’s note or clearance has been provided (if applicable)
• For certain contagious illnesses, a minimum exclusion period may apply based on health
department guidelinesMedication Policy: Synapse {STEM} Education personnel are not licensed nurses or doctors; we do not administer any medication to
children attending our programs; please plan with your child to take medications prior to attending a session under the supervision of a
parent or guardian.
Medication Policy
• Our center does not administer any medication under any circumstances.
• In the event of a known allergic reaction, staff will administer the child’s Epi-Pen if
one has been provided by the family and is clearly labeled.
• Families must ensure that any Epi-Pen kept at the center is up-to-date, unexpired,
and accompanied by the appropriate medical action plan.
Illness & Outbreak Notification
• If there is an outbreak of any contagious illness within the center, we will notify all parents
immediately by both phone and email.
• Notifications will include the type of illness, the date of exposure, and any recommended next
steps based on current health guidelines.
• Our goal is to keep families informed quickly so they can take appropriate precautions.
Parent/Guardian Agreement
I have read and understand the Sick Policy for the center. I agree to follow these guidelines to help
maintain a safe and healthy environment for all children and staff.
