COVID-19 Symptom Assessment – Updated January 2021

Prior to leaving home each staff member and family member must read and comply and answer the wellness questions below. Do not bring your child to school if you, anyone in your household, or your child have any of the symptoms outlined below. This assessment has been based on CDC symptoms of COVID-19.

Q1 – Has the adult or child been exposed to a person with a positive case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days? 

  • If so, was the exposure during the time from 2 days before until 10 days after the person with COVID-19 started having symptoms? (This is the time they would have been infectious.) If the person with COVID-19 never had symptoms, use the time period of 2 days before the test was taken until 10 days after as the infectious period.

Q2 – Has the adult or child been exposed to a person with a presumptive case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days?

  • If so, was the exposure during the time from 2 days before until 10 days after the person with presumptive COVID-19 started having symptoms? (This is the time they would have  been infectious.)
  • A “presumptive” case means the person was exposed to someone with COVID-19 and the presumptive adult or child showed symptoms in the past 10 days. 

  • If they answered yes to either question 1 or 2, the child or adult must quarantine for 10 days. The 10-day quarantine starts on the day that child or adult last had contact with the COVID-19 case. 
  • The 10-day quarantine could be shortened to 7 days if:
    • 1. The person takes a COVID-19 test between days 5 and 7 of their quarantine period, AND
    • 2. The person is asymptomatic, AND
    • 3. The COVID-19 test comes back negative.

Q3 – Is the adult or child experiencing new loss of taste or smell, unusual cough, shortness of breath, or fever? “Unusual cough” means something not normal for this person (e.g., allergies, asthma). 


  • If yes to question 3, that person must be excluded from the program for at least 10 days, and be symptom-free for 24 hours. If they get a negative COVID-19 test that was taken before the 10 days is up, they can return once they have been symptom-free for 24 hours.
  •  With regard to people who only have a fever (without any cough or difficulty breathing), if the person has been checked by a medical professional and is cleared, they can remain in or return to the program following the documented direction of the medical professional and fever-free for at least 24 hours.

For other illnesses and symptoms, our sick policy is:

Children and staff with communicable diseases (including serious colds, sore throats, rash, conjunctivitis/excessive eye discharge, excessive mucus, and other conditions) must be kept at home until they are symptom-free without medication for 24 hours. Those who have vomited or had diarrhea must be kept at home until they are symptom-free without medication for 48 hours.

Being in a community is much more demanding than being at home. A child who seems well at home may deteriorate quickly at school, requiring an early pickup. Children who are unable to participate in normal class activities or outdoor playtime should be kept home and may be sent home at the discretion of your child’s Guide.