Well Child Policy

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to help ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all participants in our homeschool group. By establishing clear expectations for attendance when a child (or accompanying adult) is ill, we aim to minimize the spread of contagious illnesses and maintain a safe social environment for everyone.

1. General Guidelines

· All children and adults attending group activities must be free of symptoms of illness and must be well enough to participate fully in activities.

· Members are expected to self-monitor and keep children home when there is any doubt about their health.

· If symptoms develop while at an event, the affected person will be asked to leave promptly.

2. Symptoms That Require Staying Home

Do not attend group activities if the child or accompanying adult has:

· Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher within the past 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication)

· Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours

· Persistent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing

· Unexplained rash or sores (unless cleared by a healthcare provider and non-contagious)

· Eye infection with redness, swelling, or discharge

· Sore throat, especially if accompanied by fever or swollen glands

· Thick yellow or green nasal discharge

· Signs of communicable diseases such as chickenpox, measles, strep throat, influenza, RSV, COVID-19, or pertussis until cleared per recommended public health timelines.

3. Return-to-Group Timeline

· Fever: At least 24 hours fever-free without medication

· Vomiting/Diarrhea: At least 24 hours symptom-free

· Strep Throat: At least 24 hours after starting antibiotics

· Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): 24 hours after starting prescribed treatment or cleared by a healthcare provider

· Chickenpox: All lesions must be scabbed over, no new spots for at least 24 hours

· COVID-19: Follow current CDC/local health guidelines for isolation and return

· Other illnesses: Follow healthcare provider’s instructions or local health department guidelines.

4. Communicable Diseases

· Members must inform the group leader promptly if a participant has attended an event while contagious or is diagnosed shortly after attending.

· The group will notify potentially exposed families while maintaining confidentiality.

· Participation after exposure to certain illnesses may require a waiting period per health guidelines.

5. Chronic Conditions & Allergies

· Parents/guardians are encouraged to inform the group of any chronic illnesses (e.g., asthma, diabetes) or severe allergies so appropriate precautions can be taken, when possible.

· Carry necessary medications (e.g., EpiPen, inhaler) during all activities.

6. Responsibility & Cooperation

· All members agree to abide by this policy for the well-being of the group.

· Repeated disregard of the policy may result in loss of participation privileges.

· This policy applies to all events— field trips, park days, meetings, and social gatherings.

Acknowledgment

By joining GRACE Homeschool Fellowship you are agreeing to follow these policies.