Health Policy

All children must have a physical check-up within the year prior to entering school. Each child must submit the Universal Health Record (PDF) signed by the physician and parent or guardian before being admitted to class. All health forms are due by September 1st and should be sent to the school, attention Director .

Disease/Illness: Contagious diseases in the home should be reported to the teacher immediately. Children with coughs and colds should be kept at home. Guard your child’s health and the health of other children in the class. Do not send your child to school if he or she may be showing signs of impending illness (runny nose, cough, ear ache, sore throat, irritability or listlessness, stomach ache, pale face, cold hands, or low-grade fever. Also, give your child that extra day of recovery from illness. If your child becomes ill at school, you will be called to come pick up your child.

Emergencies: In the event of a medical emergency, MMPS will first attempt to contact the child’s parents and physician, and follow their instructions. If they cannot be reached, the Maplewood First Aid Squad will be used to transport the child to the emergency room at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ.

Flu Shot: New Jersey has become the first and only state to mandate an annual flu shot for all kids attending preschool or daycare. Starting September 1, 2008, every child aged 6 months to 59 months must receive a minimum of one dose of flu vaccine each year.

Parents have until December 31 to have their preschooler vaccinated--provided that there are no shortages. If you can not meet the deadline, we will need a note from your healthcare provider within two weeks stating the reasons why you can not comply, and a scheduled appointment for the flu shot. October and November are the best months to get this vaccine.

The only way to opt-out is if you have a religious or medical issue. Written statements from your health care provider are required.