ACCOLADE HOUSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL SICKNESS POLICY

Illness

The following illness policies will be strictly enforced for the health, well-being, and safety of all concerned.

Illness at school:

The school is registered with Doren Hospital and Safeway Hospital close to the school. A child who suddenly takes ill, and whose temperature is above the one that the school will handle for safety will be transported to the nearest hospital

An initial call will be placed to the parents or guardian if the parents are unreachable. If the temperature exacerbates and it is a case of emergency, the child will be taken to the hospital for immediate attention. All fees incurred will be charged to and paid by the parents.

Sick Child Policy:

Under no circumstances may you bring a sick child to the school if the child shows any signs of illness (see SYMPTOMS REQUIRING REMOVAL OF CHILD) or is unable to participate in the normal routine and regular day program. Sick children expose other children, as well as staff, to the spread of their illness and require additional care and attention that we are unable to give. Moreover, sick children want care from their parents in the comfort of their own homes. If other children become ill due to exposure to your sick child, either because he/she was returned to school before full recovery or because he/she was not picked up promptly upon notice of becoming ill, other parents will be unnecessarily inconvenienced. Because this is disruptive to other children and their families, your cooperation on this issue is extremely important.

Every effort is taken to reduce the spread of illness by encouraging hand washing and other sanitary practices (see Cleanliness and Hygiene).

If your child is unable to participate in normal activities of the day (including being able to play outside), then your child MUST stay home.

Children will be visually screened when they arrive in the morning. In the event a child becomes ill and needs to be picked up, the parent(s) will be called and are expected to come pick the child up within one hour (60 minutes). If parent(s) cannot be reached or have not arrived within an hour, the emergency contact person will be called and asked to come pick the child up.

For the benefit of our staff and other children in our care, a sick child will not be permitted to return to care for 24 hours after the condition has returned to normal. The child may return 25 – 48 hours (depending upon the illness) after they have received the first dose of an antibiotic. If a child receives an antibiotic for an ear infection, he/she may return to school immediately if he has been free of other symptoms mentioned for at least 24 hours.

In some cases a doctor’s note may be necessary and required so as to clear the child for resumption. If you are not sure about whether or not to bring your child to school, please call us to discuss it. Allergy related symptoms, and non-communicable illnesses do not require exclusion.

Parental cooperation with school policy regarding illness is absolutely essential for the well-being of the children and proper functioning of the school.

Symptoms requiring immediate removal of child from school:

● Fever: Fever is defined as having a temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) or higher taken under the arm, 38.3°C (101°F) taken orally, or 38°C (100.4°F) taken rectally. A child needs to be fever-free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to the school. That means the child is fever-free without the aid of Paracetamol® or any other fever-reducing substance.
● Fever AND sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, earache, irritability, or confusion.
● Any unexplained rash
● Diarrhea: runny, watery, bloody stools, or 2 or more loose stools within last 4 hours.
● Vomiting: 2 or more times in a 24 hour period.
● Breathing trouble, sore throat, swollen glands, loss of voice, hacking, or continuous coughing.
● Runny nose (other than clear)
● Pink eye or other eye infection, draining eyes or ears.
● Any symptom of the usual childhood diseases: e.g., scarlet fever, measles, mumps, chicken pox, and whooping cough or spots that resemble, including ringworm, boil, impetigo
● Frequent scratching of body or scalp, lice, rash,
● A child is irritable, continuously crying, or requires more attention than we can provide without hurting the health, safety, or well-being of the other children in our care.

Medications

You will provide any medications needed by the child. Written authorization is needed for us to administer ANY medication. All medicines must have dosage instructions, a current date, the name of the medication, and times to be administered clearly written.

Medical Appointments

Please try to schedule visits to the doctor and dentist so that they do not conflict with school hours. If this is not possible, inform the school in advance so that the staff can be prepared if your child must arrive late or leave early

Accidents/emergencies
Minor bumps and scratches are inevitable, but we make every effort to keep the children safe through supervision and childproofing. Minor injuries receive appropriate first aid, and if an emergency injury or illness occurs, you will be contacted as soon as possible. If necessary, your child will be taken to the nearest hospital where you will be asked to meet us. If you are not going to be at your usual place of employment, or at home, please make sure that we have a number where you can be reached.

You are responsible for all costs involved in emergency medical treatment, including emergency transportation, if required. Accolade House Montessori School will not be held liable for any sickness/injury of either parent/guardian or child while on these premises or while the child is in the company of the provider during field trips or outings.

Immunizations

Throughout the school year, the State government issues rounds of vaccinations against diseases for all children. Letters are sent to all schools during these periods, most times just a week notice. You will be notified when such letters are received. Your authorization will be requested before your child can be vaccinated.