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For Schools and Childcare
Schools and childcare facilities are required to notify the local health department of the presence of a contagious disease (WAC 246-110-020) or of suspected or confirmed outbreaks of notifiable conditions (WAC 246-101-415 and 246-101-420).
Schools are also asked to report when absenteeism exceeds 10% of the student population. Schools are allowed to report diseases or health concerns that pose a risk to student health and safety under Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 34 CFR § 99.36). Reporting helps prevent spread of disease through early identification and application of control measures.
Making a Report
Visit our Provider Resources Webpage for current information on disease reporting, disease trends and prevention steps for healthcare providers, long term care facilities, school districts and other community partners.
To report a notifiable condition, call communicable disease staff Monday through Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm for fax a school abseenteeism report to 360-221-2480. After receiving a report, Island County Public Health can offer guidance on outbreak response. Island County Public Health can also help with drafting letters to notify parents, and provide flyers and other educational materials.
Prevention
- Encourage children, parents, and staff to take the following everyday preventive actions to prevent disease (CDC).
- Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
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Cleaning & Disinfecting Schools
How to clean and disinfect schools to help slow the spread of flu.
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Scrub Club
An educational tool for teachers, caregivers and parents promoting handwashing activities for kids ages 3 to 8.
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Hand Hygiene in Schools & Childcare Facilities
Promoting hand hygiene that can result in fewer gastrointestinal and respiratory illness and fewer missed school or program days.
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Shigella Information for Childcare Facilities
Follow these steps to prevent shigellosis outbreaks in your program facilities and control them if they occur.
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Coughing & Sneezing
Help prevent the spread of serious respiratory illnesses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and COVID-19.
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Diapering & Infant Feeding
Safe and healthy hygiene habits are important for all ages, but are especially important in settings with children who are in diapers and are very young.