Keep your child home if they have
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Vomiting or diarrhea within the last 24 hours
- Persistent cough, sore throat, or difficulty breathing
- Undiagnosed rash or skin infection
- Red or draining eyes
- Unusual fatigue, irritability, or pain that prevents participation
- Any contagious illness such as strep throat, pink eye, or hand-foot-and-mouth disease
Return-to-school guidelines
- FeverFever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
- Vomiting / diarrheaSymptom-free for 24 hours and able to eat and drink normally.
- Strep throat / pink eyeOn antibiotics for at least 24 hours and feeling well enough to participate.
- COVID-19 / fluFollow current CDC and Virginia Department of Health guidance; notify the school immediately.
- Other illnessesA doctor's note may be required to return. Please reach out to your child's teacher with questions.
Doctor's note required
For certain illnesses, we require a doctor's note confirming your child is no longer contagious and may return to school. This protects every child and staff member in our community.
Handwashing & hygiene
Children and staff wash hands frequently throughout the day — after toileting, before meals, after outdoor play, and after wiping noses. We teach proper technique in both English and Spanish.
Cleaning & disinfection
Classrooms, toys, and high-touch surfaces are cleaned and disinfected daily. Soft toys and linens are laundered regularly.
Isolation at school
If a child becomes ill during the day, they will be comforted in a supervised, separate area while a parent or emergency contact is contacted for pickup.
Medication administration
Prescribed medication can be given only with a signed authorization form and the medication in its original labeled container.
Reporting illness
Please notify us as soon as possible if your child is diagnosed with a contagious illness. We communicate discreetly with families when exposure may have occurred in the classroom.
Questions about a specific symptom?
Please reach out to your child's teacher or call us at (571) 225-4689.