Rule 5180:2-20-11 | Management of communicable disease.
(A) What are the communicable disease monitoring requirements for preschool programs?
A person trained to recognize the common signs of communicable disease or other illness will observe each child daily as the child enters a group. A person trained to recognize the common signs of communicable disease means any person trained in prevention, recognition, and management of communicable diseases as required by paragraph (D) of rule 5180:2-20-07 of the Administrative Code.
(B) What precaution is the preschool program to take when a child is suspected of having a communicable disease?
When a child is suspected of having a communicable disease:
(1) The program will immediately notify the parent or guardian of the child's condition when a child has been observed with signs or symptoms of illness.
(2) A child with any of the following signs or symptoms of illness will be immediately isolated and discharged to his parent or guardian:
(a) Diarrhea (three or more abnormally loose stools within a twenty-four-hour period).
(b) Severe coughing, causing the child to become red or blue in the face or to make a whooping sound.
(c) Difficult or rapid breathing.
(d) Yellowish skin or eyes.
(e) Redness of the eye or eyelid, thick and purulent (pus) eye discharge, matted eyelashes, burning, itching or eye pain.
(f) Temperature of one hundred degrees Fahrenheit taken by the auxiliary method when in combination with other signs of illness.
(g) Untreated infected skin patch(es).
(h) Unusually dark urine and/or grey or white stool.
(i) Stiff neck with an elevated temperature.
(j) Evidence of untreated lice, scabies, or other parasitic infestation.
(k) Sore throat or difficulty swallowing.
(l) Vomiting more than one time or when accompanied by any other sign or symptom of illness.
(3) A child with any of the following signs or symptoms of illness will be immediately isolated from other children. Decisions regarding whether the child should be discharged immediately or at some other time during the day will be determined by the director and the parent or guardian. The child, while isolated at the program, will be carefully watched for symptoms listed in paragraph (B)(2) of this rule as well as the following:
(a) Unusual spots or rashes.
(b) Elevated temperature.
(4) Preschool programs will follow the posted DCY 08087 "Communicable Disease Chart" for appropriate management of suspected illnesses. The chart is to be posted in an area readily available to parents, preschool staff members, and employees and is to be displayed in the size available in the Ohio department of job and family services (ODJFS) forms central in order for individuals to easily read, identify, and respond to communicable diseases.
(5) A child isolated due to suspected communicable disease will be:
(a) Cared for in a room or portion of a room not being used in the preschool program.
(b) Within sight and hearing of an adult at all times. No child will ever be left alone or unsupervised.
(c) Made comfortable and provided with a cot/mat or crib for infants. All linens and blankets used by the ill child will be laundered before being used by another child. After use, the cots will be disinfected with an appropriate germicidal agent, or, if soiled with blood, feces, vomit, or other body fluids, the cots will be cleaned with soap and water and then disinfected with an appropriate germicidal agent.
(d) Observed carefully for worsening condition.
(e) Discharged to parent, guardian, or person designated by the parent or guardian as soon as practical.
(C) What are the written policy requirements for the management of communicable disease?
Each preschool program will have a written policy concerning the management of communicable disease. The policy will include, at a minimum:
(1) The preschool program's means of training all preschool staff members in signs and symptoms of illness and in handwashing and disinfection procedures.
(2) Procedures for isolating and discharging an ill child and policy for readmitting such child.
(3) Procedures for notifying the parent or guardian immediately when a child is exhibiting signs or symptoms of illness or has been exposed to a communicable disease.
(4) Procedures regarding the care of a mildly ill child. Mildly ill child means a child who is experiencing minor common cold symptoms, but who is not exhibiting any of the symptoms specified in paragraph (B) of this rule or a child who does not feel well enough to participate in activities, but who is not exhibiting any of the symptoms specified in paragraph (B) of this rule.
(5) Procedures for notifying all parents of enrolled children when children are exposed to a diagnosed communicable disease including, but not limited to, pink eye, ringworm, chicken pox, or lice.
Last updated July 1, 2026 at 8:55 AM
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