Health Policy

Health Policy
Each child must submit a current Maryland State Department of Education Office of Child Care Health Inventory, including an immunization record indicating up-to-date required vaccinations, in order to attend school. Temple Beth Ami strongly encourages all children and parents to receive vaccinations against COVID-19 as recommended by the CDC. Temple Beth Ami is currently “mask-optional”.

Montgomery County Department of Health provides guidance to early education schools regarding appropriate protocols in response to children’s illnesses. Gan Ami’s policies are based on their recommendations and are subject to change in response to evolving circumstances and regulations.

A child who exhibits any signs of illness in school will be isolated with an adult, while awaiting pick up. An approved adult must pick up the child within 30 minutes of the phone call.

Parents must contact the child’s teacher and school director whenever a child is absent due to illness and provide information about symptoms and any diagnosis.

Notices will be sent to parents when information provided about a medical situation may be instructive for other families watching their own children for signs and symptoms of contagious illnesses. Gan Ami will make a concerted effort to respect the privacy and confidentiality of teachers, students and/or families who may be experiencing health adversity.

A child who has been ill may return to school if these conditions are met:

• Child has been home for a minimum of 5 days from date of positive COVID test, if applicable. When the child returns to school, having met all the following criteria, they may attend “mask-optional.”
• Child is free of fever and any stomach upset without the aid of medication for at least 24 hours.
• All symptoms (including skin irritations) are reasonably resolved and considered not to be highly contagious.
• Child has taken any medication, prescribed or otherwise, for a minimum of 24 hours at home.
• Child feels comfortable, has regained stamina, and can fully participate in all school activities.
• Child has followed all doctor’s orders regarding this illness and recovery and school attendance.

If a child has missed three or more days of school due to illness, a parent must send an email stating when the child will return to school and that the child is physically well and has met all the criteria for returning to a regular schedule. This email may be sent to the director or administrative manager.

When a child has lice, the child must be treated, and all nits and bugs must be removed. If a child is treated by a professional lice remover, then the child may return to school with the documented permission of the professional. If a child is treated by the parents, then the school will check the child’s head to clear them for reentry to school. Other parents will be notified so they can check their own children, and the classrooms will be cleaned appropriately.