Morning Star Child Care Wellness Policy

Morning Star follows the recommendations from Washtenaw County Health Department on "When should a
child be kept home, or sent home, from school for illness?" We will send home a child if they present these
symptoms:
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Fever: Ifa child has a temperature above 100.5 degree Fahrenheit. The child must be fever free for
24 hours without the use of Tylenol or Ibuprofen. MSCC can administer Tylenol or Ibuprofen in
order to ease pain (ear infections as long as child is on antibiotics. shots. teething). not (or
sickness. Doing so may mask other symptoms and put that child. and the other children. at risk
(or further illnesses. *
Two loose bowel movements: even ifthere are no other signs of illness. The child may return when
bowel movements are normal and no other symptoms of illness are present.
Vomiting: Any vomiting is reason to send a child home or keep a child home (consideration will be
taken if your child is allergic to certain foods/drink products or on medication).
Rash: Unknown rash will need to be seen by a physician and the child can return to school by the
recommendations made by the doctor. Please bring in a doctor's note for our records of what the
child has been diagnosed with.
Highly Contagious Condition:
o Head Lice: suggested treatments available upon request. Child must be nit free to return to
school.
o Chicken Pox: No fever AND sores scabbed over.
a Strep Throat: 24 hours of antibiotics in system.
a Conjunctivitis (Pink eye): 24 hours of antibiotics in system and/or no discharge from eyes.
a Mumps, impetigo, pin worms, pertussis, etc.: Follow doctor's recommendations or
Washtenaw County Health Department methods of treatment. Information available upon
request.
Crying and irritable for a long time: Anytime a child is not themselves and is complaining about
discomfort or not interacting with the class. Unfortunately, at this point, we are unable to meet your
child's specific needs .... the need to cuddle and have that one-on-one snuggle time for extended
periods.
Not eating or drinking normally.

When our children become ill, sometimes it seems as if they will never get over it. Though we understand that
you need to work, please remember that children need to stay home when they are ill. Often that one extra day
of rest will help them recover quicker. Children tend to become rundown as the day goes on; because they
seem peppy in the morning doesn't mean they will make it through the day. This is often the time that they may
catch another bug since their systems are already rundown. If your child is ill, and you are called to pick up
early, we ask that you arrive within an hour of being called (drive permitting). Don't forget our policy is 24
hours fever free without the aid of Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Thanks for your cooperation. Our priority is keeping
each child safe and healthy
"'State Licensing: rhe dosage (or vour child's specific weight and age must be on the original packaging for all medications.
Without tlte correct dosage we need the original packaging ANlJ a doctor's note witlt correct dosage to administer. Prescriptioll
medication must IIave tile pllarmacv label witll the pllvsicians name. child's name. name ormedication and dosage. Most
pharmacies will split medications into Iwo bottles (one (or home, olle (or school) when asked.

What does Morning Star Child Care do to prevent the spread of diseases?
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Washing hands upon arrival (parents assist in this in process), before/after messy activities,
before/after mealtimes, after toileting, after sneezing or blowing nose, after outside time, and when
hands are soiled.
o Covering sneezes and coughs with using the elbow technique or grabbing a tissue; hands will be
washed after.
o Washing toys when a child places a toy in hislher mouth, and using classroom cleaning schedules to
make sure all toys are washed on a daily (infant/toddler/preschool) or weekly basis.
o Morning Star sends children home when they are sick as not to put other children's health in
jeopardy. We must consider the health and well-being of all of the children at Morning Star. It is
not easy for us to make that callfor you to pick up your child, especially when your child has one
illness after another. We appreciate your understanding of our policy, and only wish good health
for you and your childiren),

How can you stop the spread of diseases at home?

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Washing hands upon arrival, before/after messy activities, before/after mealtimes, after toileting,
after outside time, and when hands are soiled.
Covering sneezes and coughs with using the elbow technique or grabbing a tissue; hands will be
washed after.
Washing toys weekly by placing toys in dishwasher or using the three step process MSCC uses
(soapy water, rinse water, bleach water).
Eating healthy! Serve a variety of fruits; veggies, whole grains, dairy products, and other nutritious
foods for each meal.
Rest! Well rested children are less likely to get sick so make a regular bedtime non-negotiable.
Vitamins and vaccinations: Since your child is exposed to various germs and diseases in the daycare
setting it is important to be up-to-date on vaccines, including the seasonal flu and HINI flu shots.