Increase Illness Procedures

INCREASED ILLNESS PROCEDURE

For Programs Experiencing Elevated Illness or AHS-Declared Outbreak Status

Applies to:
All TOPP KIDS programs experiencing a rise in illness OR those in active outbreak status as confirmed by AHS (Alberta Health Services).

Purpose:
To minimize the spread of illness, protect the health and safety of children and staff, and comply with Alberta Health Services (AHS) guidance.

Activation of Protocol

Triggered by:

• A noticeable increase in child or staff illness (as assessed by the Program Support or
• Operations Manager)
• Confirmation of an outbreak by AHS

If an Outbreak is Declared:

Programs MUST follow the directions and reporting procedures as instructed by AHS. This includes documentation, exclusion practices, cleaning protocols, and all other steps as advised.

Environmental Adjustments – Soft Goods & Sensory Use

Remove or restrict the following items:

• Drama Centre: Dress-up clothing, hats, and props (unless fully wipeable)
• Reading Buddies: All plush or stuffed toys
• Pillows & Cushions: Including soft seating, circle dots, and couches
• Teepees & Tents: Fold and store away
• Sensory Tables: Remove communal sand/water or shared sensory stations

Modify Use:

• Books & Board Games: Can still be used, but must be isolated for 72 hours post-use. Best practice includes:
  • “Closing” the centre with signage
  • Verbal direction to children
  • A rotation system led by educators
• Carpets: May remain, provided regular vacuuming/cleaning is maintained
• School-Shared Equipment: Must be washed before and after use or removed entirely. Contact Facilities for replacement items if needed.

Programming Adjustments

• Prioritize individual or parallel play to reduce shared contact.
• Avoid group materials or shared supplies where possible.
• Draw from available TK programming resources that support parallel play and creativity while reducing transmission risk.

Cleaning & Personal Hygiene

Hand Hygiene

• Increase frequency of handwashing:
  • Upon arrival
  • Before/after eating
  • Before/after shared activity
  • After touching face, nose, or mouth
• Handwashing with soap and water is preferred; sanitizer is not a substitute.
• Ensure all staff model and guide proper handwashing technique.

Cleaning

• Move to a “used once, cleaned once” approach for shared materials.
• Establish a used items bin for post-play cleaning.
• Monitor and restrict access to high-touch items as needed while still supporting TK’s standard for play diversity.

Supply Requests (Facilities)

• Identify any needed PPE, cleaning products, or sanitization equipment.
• Contact the Facilities Team to arrange delivery of supplies.
• Do not use any unapproved chemicals or cleaners without authorization from Head Office.

Communication with Families

Parent Notification Email

• Contact your Program Support Manager for direction and wording.
• An email must be approved before sending via Mailchimp.
• Include:
  • Common symptoms present
  • Number of recorded cases (if permitted)
  • Preventative steps being taken
  • Health check reminders

Communication Schedule:

Reporting to AHS

If symptoms escalate or multiple similar cases are confirmed, immediately contact your Program Support Manager or the CEO to begin AHS contact procedures.

AHS Thresholds for Reporting:
Symptom Type Report If
Respiratory: 2 or more similar cases
Gastrointestinal: 2 or more similar cases
Rash: 3 or more similar cases

Once an outbreak is suspected or confirmed:

• AHS will direct the program on specific reporting procedures.
• This may include:
  • Enhanced health screening
  • Temporary exclusions
  • Isolation protocols
  • Further communication to families
  • Outbreak signage and logs

Programs are required to follow all AHS directives and maintain open communication with both AHS and TOPP KIDS leadership throughout the outbreak period.

Daily Health Checks

• Conduct arrival screenings for all children and staff:
  • Verbal check: “How are you feeling today?”
  • Visual symptom screening (runny nose, cough, flushed skin, etc.)
  • Temperature checks if directed by the Program Support Manager or AHS
• Standardize entry procedure across all staff to ensure consistent screening
• Refer to child files for pre-existing conditions that may present as similar symptoms

Reference – AHS Guidance

For full AHS protocol on illness management and outbreaks in child care, refer to:
AHS Child Care Facility Illness Control Guidelines (PDF)

THANK YOU
Your proactive leadership and diligence ensure that our children, families, and staff stay safe, healthy, and supported during heightened illness or outbreak seasons.
Together, we continue to help children
PLAY, GROW, LAUGH & LEARN — safely.
For support or clarification, contact your Program Support Manager or Operations Manager directly.