In group care, preventing the spread of communicable disease is of the utmost priority, and we follow all requirements and recommendations of the DPH and EEC. First Circle cannot accept a child who, within the previous 24 hours, has exhibited symptoms of an infectious disease such as gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin, or direct contact infections, as indicated by one of the symptoms listed below.
diarrhea: watery stools more than once in a short period of time (unless caused by antibiotics)
vomiting: one bout, not related to stimulation of a gag reflex
conjunctivitis: pink or red eyes with discharge from the eye
difficulty breathing
head lice
rash with a fever or behavior change
rash or blisters consistent with chicken pox
mouth sores, unless the child’s healthcare provider states that the child is non-infectious
illness that prevents the child from participating in program activities or from resting comfortably
illness that results in greater care needed than First Circle staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of the other children
any other symptom of communicable disease including flu, measles, mumps, hepatitis, infectious rash, or strep infection, especially when there is another confirmed case within First Circle
If your child shows signs of illness, we’ll call you for pickup (or your emergency contact) as soon as possible. While waiting, they’ll rest in a quiet area with supervision, comfort, and activities. Any used items will be sanitized.
You must pick up your child as quickly as possible or within one hour after being notified. If you cannot be reached, the teacher will contact your designated emergency contact(s) and ask them to pick up your child. Please ensure that the emergency contact(s) noted in your Enrollment Packet are available and willing to act on your behalf.
You will be asked to sign a Sent Home Sick form, which will detail the symptoms exhibited and any other pertinent information.
To prevent spreading illness, your child must stay home until symptom-free for 24 hours without medication or cleared by a doctor.
If symptoms arise on a field trip, we’ll coordinate pickup with you.
First Circle reserves the right to determine if a child can return.
Let us know if you have any questions—we appreciate your cooperation in keeping everyone healthy!