The ECEC is dedicated to keeping children safe and healthy. This time of year we see a lot of illnesses. Is your child well enough to attend school? If you notice any of the following symptoms of illness in your child, they should be kept home to rest and recover and to avoid getting other children or staff sick.

• A constant cough where a child is unable to catch their breath or participate in regular classroom activities.
• A very runny nose and/or bad cough, especially if it keeps the child awake at night or during nap.
• Congestion or sore throat that causes discomfort and excessive drainage of mucous from the nose or mouth.
• Red, irritated eyes with discharge that is not caused by seasonal allergies or other eye infection.
• Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours.
• Unidentified rash.
• A temperature of 100.4 or higher within the past 24 hours.

A good rule of thumb: If you need to give your child medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, they should stay home until they feel better. Check with your doctor if symptoms persist for several days or if a child has a high fever.

Every ECEC child who enters the classroom should have an arrival health check completed with the teacher. The teacher will ask questions regarding the child’s health, eating and sleeping patterns, injuries, and any changes in behavior. Please allow an extra five minutes every day to discuss these health observations with ECEC staff. Should your child become ill during the school day, they will be taken to the ECEC Health Office for an assessment. If your child needs to go home, a Health Assistant will let you know when your child can return to school.

Thank you for your time and attention. We appreciate your partnership in making the ECEC a safe and healthy place for young children to learn and grow. If you have any questions, please call the ECEC at 480-362-2200.

Sincerely,

Tami Brungard, ECE Leader