The New York State Department of Health has released an updated Toolkit for schools to use as a resource during the COVID-19 pandemic. This Toolkit provides guidance regarding when students may attend school, and what steps are required for students to return to school when they have experienced COVID-19 symptoms. This toolkit may be accessed at:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/10/prek-gr12_toolkit.pdf.

It is important to be aware that if your child is evaluated by his/her doctor, and a COVID-19 test is not performed, there must be a definitive diagnosis given (i.e. ear infection, Strep throat, Flu). A signed doctor’s note documenting an unconfirmed acute illness, such as viral upper respiratory illness (URI) or viral gastroenteritis will not be sufficient for your child to return to school. Therefore, our schools will require documentation confirming a negative COVID-19 test result for any school absence where a physician fails to identify a non-COVID related reason that is viral in nature.

In addition, the “Return to School Clearance Form” must be completed by your physician in order for a student to return to school following COVID-19 related symptoms.  For your convenience a copy of this form is avaiable on our website.  It must be returned to the school prior to the student returning to our program.

As always, Elwood Care is working closely with Elwood School District to provide students with the safe and nurturing learning environment, and as such we will follow the District’s Reopening Guidelines.  Please see the District’s Reopening Guidelines for your more complete details.