Guidance for Childcare and Schools

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

General Information for Staff and Families

Reducing the Spread of Illness
Respiratory illnesses include influenza (the flu), COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), common colds, and others. Learn how to reduce spread of illness.
Seeking Testing and/or Treatment
If you are at higher risk of severe COVID-19, learn how to seek COVID-19 testing and treatment.
Self-Assessment Tool (Screening)

Use the Ontario Ministry of Health’s Self-Assessment Tool if you are sick or have any symptoms of illness or tested positive for COVID-19, to see what to do next. 

Reporting Communicable Diseases

You are required to report medically diagnosed communicable diseases to the Infectious Disease team at the Huron Perth Public Health at 1.888.221.2133. See Childcare Guide to Communicable Disease to learn when you need to report an illness.

  • Exception for COVID-19: Current provincial guidelines do not require child care centres and 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. 

For quick reference, a copy of the Diseases of Public Health Significance for Schools and Childcare [PDF] is available.

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. The province also provides information on COVID-19: health and safety measures for child care

Additional resources:

Environmental Cleaning: Refresher For School and Child Care Settings | Public Health Ontario

Information for Parents & Caregivers

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