Health, Illness, and Disease Prevention
Promoting children’s health begins with prevention. Daily health observations, consistent illness policies, and effective communication with families help reduce the spread of communicable diseases while supporting children’s ability to fully participate in learning experiences.
Because illnesses can spread quickly within group care settings, Child Care Centers should establish written health policies, train staff on illness recognition, and implement consistent exclusion and return-to-care procedures.
Daily Health Observations
Teaching staff should observe children upon arrival and throughout the day for signs of illness.
Observations may include:
- Fever
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Rash or skin changes
- Eye drainage
- Unusual fatigue
- Changes in behavior
- Signs of discomfort or pain
Families should be notified promptly when children become ill during the day.
When Children Should Stay Home
| Symptom | Recommendation | Leadership Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Exclude according to program policy and public health guidance. | Include illness policies in the family handbook. |
| Vomiting/Diarrhea | Exclude until symptoms resolve according to health guidance. | Communicate return-to-care expectations consistently. |
| Communicable Disease | Follow Community Care Licensing and public health guidance. | Maintain communication with local health authorities when necessary. |
| Unable to Participate | Children requiring care beyond what staff can reasonably provide should remain home. | Support staff in making consistent exclusion decisions. |
Preventing the Spread of Illness
Programs should implement preventive practices that support healthy environments throughout the center.
Teaching teams should:
- Encourage proper handwashing.
- Reinforce respiratory etiquette.
- Increase cleaning during illness outbreaks.
- Promote adequate ventilation.
- Sanitize shared materials regularly.
- Communicate health concerns while maintaining confidentiality.
Immunizations
Maintaining current immunization records helps protect the health of children, staff, and families while supporting licensing compliance.
Required Immunizations by Age
| Age When Admitted or At Age Checkpoint | Required Immunization Doses | Program Documentation Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 2 through 3 months | 1 Polio, 1 DTaP, 1 Hepatitis B, and 1 Hib. | Review the child’s immunization record at enrollment and note the next age checkpoint. |
| 4 through 5 months | 2 Polio, 2 DTaP, 2 Hepatitis B, and 2 Hib. | Request updated documentation when the child reaches the next required age range. |
| 6 through 14 months | 2 Polio, 3 DTaP, 2 Hepatitis B, and 2 Hib. | Use a tracking system to monitor children approaching the 15-month checkpoint. |
| 15 through 17 months | 3 Polio, 3 DTaP, 2 Hepatitis B, 1 Varicella, and—on or after the first birthday—1 Hib and 1 MMR. | Confirm that the Hib and MMR doses were given on or after the child’s first birthday. |
| 18 months through 5 years | 3 Polio, 4 DTaP, 3 Hepatitis B, 1 Varicella, and—on or after the first birthday—1 Hib and 1 MMR. | Maintain current immunization documentation in each child’s file and follow up promptly when records are incomplete. |
| Important note | One Hib dose must be given on or after the first birthday and is required only for children younger than 5 years old. | Check current California Department of Public Health guidance when reviewing records or responding to family questions. |
Programs should:
- Verify immunization records during enrollment.
- Maintain current documentation.
- Request updated records when immunizations change.
- Maintain records in accordance with licensing requirements.
Business Connection
Strong health practices reduce absenteeism, support children’s well-being, and strengthen family confidence in your program. Consistent health procedures across classrooms help create a safe learning environment while supporting regulatory compliance.
