Childcare Health and Wellness Policies 2026

Health policies protect all children in childcare settings. Understanding these policies helps you know what to expect and how to keep your child and others healthy.

Common Health Policies

Illness Exclusion

Children typically excluded for:

• Fever (usually 100.4°F+)
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Contagious conditions
• Unable to participate
• Specific symptoms

Return Requirements

Usually can return when:

• Fever-free 24 hours (no medication)
• Symptom-free 24 hours
• Doctor's clearance if required
• Able to participate
• No longer contagious

Why These Policies Exist

Purposes:

• Prevent spread of illness
• Protect all children
• Protect staff
• Allow recovery time
• Public health

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Immunization Requirements

Required Vaccines

Typically include:

• DTaP
• Polio
• MMR
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella
• Others as required

State Requirements

Know your state:

• Specific vaccines required
• Timeline for completion
• Exemption policies
• Documentation needed
• Updates required

Exemptions

May be available for:

• Medical reasons
• Religious beliefs
• Philosophical objections
• State-dependent
• May limit enrollment

Documentation

You'll need to provide:

• Vaccination records
• Updated as vaccines given
• Doctor documentation
• Exemption forms if applicable
• Annual updates

Medication Administration

What Programs May Give

Typically:

• Prescription medications
• Some over-the-counter
• With parent authorization
• With doctor prescription
• Per policy

Requirements

Usually need:

• Written authorization
• Original container
• Prescription label
• Dosage instructions
• Specific timing

Limitations

Programs may not:

• Give first doses
• Administer certain medications
• Store controlled substances
• Give without authorization
• Deviate from instructions

Chronic Conditions

For ongoing needs:

• Care plans required
• Training for staff
• Emergency protocols
• Regular communication
• Updated documentation

Illness Procedures

When Child Gets Sick at Daycare

Typical process:

• Child isolated from others
• Parent contacted
• Pickup required
• Timeline for pickup
• Documentation provided

Pickup Requirements

Expect:

• Pick up within 1 hour
• Emergency contact if unavailable
• Program can't keep sick child
• Follow their timeline
• Have backup plans

After Illness

Before return:

• Meet return requirements
• May need doctor's note
• Communicate with program
• Ensure child is well
• Follow guidelines

Preventing Illness Spread

Program Practices

Quality programs:

• Frequent handwashing
• Surface sanitization
• Toy cleaning
• Proper diaper procedures
• Sick policy enforcement

Your Role

Parents should:

• Keep sick children home
• Update immunizations
• Communicate illness
• Follow policies
• Practice good hygiene

At Home

Reduce illness by:

• Teaching hand washing
• Good nutrition
• Adequate sleep
• Timely vaccinations
• Healthy habits

Specific Conditions

Fever

Policies usually:

• Specific temperature threshold
• 24 hours fever-free
• Without fever reducer
• Documentation required
• Clear guidelines

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Typically:

• 24 hours symptom-free
• Multiple incidents = exclusion
• Consider food poisoning vs. illness
• Dehydration concerns
• Return when stable

Rashes

May require:

• Doctor diagnosis
• Clearance to return
• Identification of cause
• Treatment if needed
• Non-contagious determination

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Usually:

• Exclusion until treated
• 24 hours on medication
• Doctor's clearance may be needed
• Very contagious
• Clear discharge requirements

Head Lice

Policies vary:

• Some exclude until treated
• Some allow with treatment started
• Check your program's policy
• Not a health threat
• Very common

Chronic Health Conditions

Allergies

Programs should:

• Have action plans
• Know emergency procedures
• Accommodate needs
• Train staff
• Communicate with parents

Asthma

Typically involves:

• Action plan on file
• Medication access
• Staff training
• Trigger awareness
• Emergency protocols

Diabetes

May require:

• Detailed care plan
• Trained staff
• Monitoring schedule
• Emergency procedures
• Regular communication

Other Conditions

Work with program on:

• Individualized plans
• Staff training
• Medical documentation
• Emergency protocols
• Ongoing communication

Emergency Procedures

Medical Emergencies

Programs should have:

• Emergency action plans
• First aid trained staff
• Emergency contact procedures
• Hospital transport plans
• Parent notification

Your Authorization

You'll typically authorize:

• Emergency treatment
• Hospital transport
• Doctor contact
• Medication administration
• Medical decisions

Communication

Staying Informed

Programs should:

• Notify of outbreaks
• Share relevant health information
• Communicate exposures
• Provide health updates
• Answer questions

Your Responsibility

You should:

• Report illnesses
• Update health information
• Communicate concerns
• Follow policies
• Ask questions

Key Takeaways

Understand policies:

• Illness exclusions
• Return requirements
• Immunization requirements
• Medication rules
• Emergency procedures

Your responsibilities:

• Keep sick children home
• Provide documentation
• Follow vaccination requirements
• Communicate with program
• Pick up when called

Program responsibilities:

• Enforce policies fairly
• Communicate clearly
• Train staff
• Maintain hygiene
• Protect all children

Be prepared:

• Know the policies
• Have backup care
• Keep records updated
• Stay in communication
• Plan for sick days

Remember:

• Policies protect everyone
• Illness is normal
• Follow guidelines
• Build backup plans
• Support the community

Health policies benefit all children in care. Understanding and following them helps create a healthier environment for everyone.

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