COVID-19 Exposure and Testing Policy (Effective July 2024)
In response to the recent exposure to COVID-19, I have established the following guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of our children, staff, and families. Despite the relaxation of protocols by various health agencies, including Community Care Licensing, I will be implementing these procedures to maintain a safe environment for our children and families.
Exposure and Testing Guidelines
1. Exposure Notification:
◦ Parents/guardians must notify In Kirsten’s Care immediately if their child has been exposed to COVID-19.
◦ If a parent has been exposed to COVID-19 or tests positive, please social distance and wear a mask when dropping off/picking up your child. Please use hand sanitizer (provided) during this time.
◦ If a child tests positive for COVID-19 and has attended daycare, all exposed children will be tested including provider.
2. Testing After Exposure:
◦ Testing may begin 3-5 days after the child has been exposed to COVID-19 even if the child is asymptomatic.
◦ If your child shows any signs or symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, sore throat, loss of appetite, or shortness of breath, get tested immediately for confirmation. Refer to #7 for more detailed list
3. Positive Test Protocol:
◦ Under 2 Years of Age:
▪ If exposed, test the child 3-5 days after exposure unless symptoms appear sooner even if the child is asymptomatic.
▪ If the test is positive, the child must stay home for minimum 5 days. May return after 5 days if they feel better and symptoms have improved and have no fever for 24 hours or more without the use of fever-reducing medications and can participate actively without restriction. All must apply.
◦ Over 2 Years of Age:
▪ If exposed, test the child 3-5 days after exposure unless symptoms appear sooner even if the child is asymptomatic. Child will also be required to wear a mask at daycare during this waiting period.
▪ If the test is positive, the child must remain home until they feel better and symptoms have improved and have no fever for 24 hours or more without the use of fever-reducing medications, and can participate actively without restriction. All must apply
4. Symptomatic Children:
◦ Regardless of age, if a child tests positive for COVID-19, they must stay home until they feel better and symptoms have improved and have no fever for 24 hours or more without the use of fever-reducing medications, and can participate actively without restriction. All must apply. Note this could take up to 14 days.
5. Doctor's Note Requirement:
◦ If a child is seen by a doctor during this period, a doctor's note clearing them to return to childcare will be required.
6. Mask Requirements:
Due to cold like symptoms or exposure to COVID-19, all children aged two years and older will be required to wear a mask while in childcare, potentially for up to 14 days or until symptoms improve.
7. Symptoms of COVID-19
Updated Mar. 15, 2024 by CDC
People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.
Possible symptoms include:
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. Symptoms my change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary by person. CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19.
8. Temperature checks:
Daily temperature checks will be conducted at various times throughout the day as a precautionary measure for COVID-19 monitoring. If a fever is detected of 99.9 degrees or higher, the child will be sent home regardless of other symptoms.
9. Symptom Monitoring:
◦ In Kirsten's Care reserves the right to refuse care to any child showing any symptoms of any illness, regardless of fever presence.
Preventive Measures:
• Hand Hygiene: Encourage regular hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Masks: Ensure that children aged two years and older wear masks as required.
• Social Distancing: Promote social distancing measures where feasible.
• Health Monitoring: Monitor your child's health daily and keep them home if they show any signs of illness.
By following this policy, I aim to protect the health of our community and minimize disruptions to education and childcare services. I appreciate your cooperation and commitment to these guidelines.
I have also included two attachments. 1) Similarities and differences between COVID-19 and the Flu and 2) Preventing the spread of respiratory viruses when sick.
If you would like further information on respiratory viruses please visit: Protect yourself from COVID-19, Flu, and RSV (cdc.gov)
Again, thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Together we can protect our children and families.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact me.
