08/22/2026
Let’s stay healthy 🙏
It's back to school time!!! It's also a time when illnesses seem to pop up and spread like crazy. Be aware of what your child care program's illness policy is BEFORE symptoms show up!
Child care programs support families by caring for and educating children when adults must work or attend school. There are times when children should not attend child care though, such as when they are showing active symptoms of illness. According to the CDC, “Schools, parents, and caregivers often do not know what specific illness a child may have; rather, children present with symptoms. If someone has the following symptoms, they should stay home because their illness could affect their ability to participate in school and there is concern that they might spread an infection to staff and students.”
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) has created the “How Sick Is Too Sick?” document (updated December 2024) for families and providers. This document offers guidance for routine decisions about when individuals should stay at home. It is a starting point for families to make decisions about keeping their children home.
Each child care program has their own specific illness policy that may be more stringent than this guide. Please be sure to review your child care program’s illness policy or speak to your provider before bringing children with symptoms of illness to care.
