Daycare Health and Illness Exclusion Check

Consistent health and illness exclusion policies protect all children and staff in childcare settings. This checklist helps daycare staff conduct proper health observations, apply consistent illness exclusion criteria, communicate effectively with parents, and document health-related decisions per state licensing and CDC CFOC standards.

  • Industry: Childcare and Education
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Estimated Time: Ongoing throughout day
  • Role: Lead Teacher / Center Director
  • Total Items: 31

Arrival Health Observations

Document health observations conducted at child arrival.

  • Health observation conducted for each child at arrival?
  • No children admitted with symptoms meeting exclusion criteria?
  • Staff asked parents about any symptoms or illness at home since last attendance?
  • Any medication administration needs identified and authorized forms on file?
  • Any signs of suspected abuse or injury noted and mandatory report initiated?

Illness Exclusion Criteria Reference

Apply consistent illness exclusion criteria throughout the day.

  • Children excluded for fever above 101F (38.3C) per center policy?
  • Children excluded for two or more vomiting episodes in 24 hours?
  • Children excluded for diarrhea (3+ loose stools in 24 hours)?
  • Children with unexplained rash assessed and parent notified?
  • Children with pink eye symptoms excluded pending medical evaluation?
  • Head lice protocol followed consistently including notification of other families?

Parent Notification and Communication

Verify proper parent communication for health concerns.

  • Parents notified promptly of any health concerns or exclusion decisions?
  • Pickup arranged within required timeframe when child must be excluded?
  • Excluded children comfortably isolated with supervision while awaiting pickup?
  • Return requirements (symptom-free 24 hours, medical clearance, etc.) communicated to parents?
  • Illness log updated with date, child, symptoms, and actions taken?

Outbreak Prevention and Control

Monitor for illness patterns and prevent outbreaks.

  • No unusual cluster of illnesses observed that could indicate an outbreak?
  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfection implemented when illness occurs?
  • Health department notified of any reportable illness or outbreak?
  • All families notified of significant illness exposure while protecting individual privacy?
  • Handwashing reinforced with all children and staff during illness periods?

Medication Administration

Verify safe medication administration procedures.

  • Written parent authorization on file for any medication to be administered?
  • Medication administration log completed with dose, time, and administering staff?
  • All medications stored in locked area at appropriate temperature?
  • Epinephrine auto-injectors for allergic children accessible and not expired?
  • Staff administering medications trained per state licensing requirements?

Health Records and Documentation

Verify health records are complete and current.

  • Immunization records current for all enrolled children per state requirements?
  • Health history forms completed for all enrolled children?
  • Allergy information and action plans posted in kitchen and classrooms?
  • Physical examination records current per state requirements?
  • Daily health log maintained and available for licensing review?

Related Childcare Education Checklists

Related Daycare Centers Checklists

Why Use This Daycare Health and Illness Exclusion Check?

This daycare health and illness exclusion check helps childcare and education teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for lead teacher / center director professionals, this checklist covers 31 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Daycare Health and Illness Exclusion Check cover?

This checklist covers 31 inspection items across 6 sections: Arrival Health Observations, Illness Exclusion Criteria Reference, Parent Notification and Communication, Outbreak Prevention and Control, Medication Administration, Health Records and Documentation. It is designed for childcare and education operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily. Each completion takes approximately Ongoing throughout day.

Who should use this Daycare Health and Illness Exclusion Check?

This checklist is designed for Lead Teacher / Center Director professionals in the childcare and education industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists