Guidance for Childcare and Schools

This page includes respiratory virus guidance and resources that may be applicable for both licensed childcare programs (including childcare centres, home childcare, before and after school programs and early years programs) and schools (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12).

General information for staff and families

If you or someone in your household has respiratory illness symptoms, visit Protection from Respiratory Illnesses to learn what to do next. 

Stay home if you are ill. Do not return to work, school, childcare, etc., until symptoms are improving and you have no fever for 24 hours., or until 48 hours since last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.

Respiratory illnesses include influenza (the flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), common colds, and others. Learn how to reduce spread of illness.

If you are at higher risk of severe COVID-19, learn how to seek COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Reporting Communicable Diseases

You are required to report medically diagnosed communicable diseases to HPPH. See Childcare Guide to Communicable Disease to learn when you need to report an illness.

See also the list of Diseases of Public Health Significance.

  • Exception for COVID-19: Current provincial guidelines do not require childcare programs or schools to report positive cases of COVID-19 to Public Health.

Non-reportable communicable diseases do not need to be reported to public health. Examples of non-reportable communicable diseases include: the common cold; hand, foot and mouth disease; pink eye; ringworm; and strep throat. 

Infection Prevention and Control

Bacteria and germs can spread quickly among children. Learn more about how to control the spread of infection in your facility. 

Information for Parents and Caregivers

HPPH provides information for parents and caregivers on what to do if a child starts showing symptoms of respiratory illness, as well as how to prevent the spread of illness.

Contact Us

Huron Perth Public Health

Huron Office
77722B London Road, RR #5, Clinton, ON
N0M 1L0

Perth Office
653 West Gore St., Stratford ON N5A 1L4
Toll-free 1-888-221-2133
askhpph@hpph.ca