Wellness Guidelines.

As an intentionally small school, The Dahlia School of San Francisco is well-positioned to foster a healthy community and to respond thoughtfully to evolving needs, including those related to COVID-19. Our low teacher-to-student ratios, adaptable systems, and open, frequent communication between families and teachers allow us to maintain a safe and supportive environment while continuing to provide a high-quality, child-centered Montessori education.

We follow the latest guidance from the CDC, San Francisco Department of Public Health, and California Childcare Licensing, and we maintain clear illness protocols to protect the well-being of all. These include keeping children home when they show signs of illness, following return-to-school guidelines after fevers or other symptoms, and communicating promptly with teachers about health concerns.

Just as important, our committed parents play a vital role in upholding these standards and working in partnership with us. This shared dedication helps ensure that our children, staff, and families thrive in a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment.

Our Health & Safety Protocols

At The Dahlia School of San Francisco, the health and well-being of our students, families, and staff is a shared priority. We follow clear guidelines to maintain a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive.

Illness Policy

We follow a “No Illness at School” approach to protect our community:

  • Parents will be asked to pick up their child within one hour if they show signs of a contagious illness, such as:

    • A runny nose requiring adult assistance for more than 30 minutes

    • An uncontrolled cough lasting more than 10 minutes

    • Fever of 100°F or higher

    • Diarrhea, vomiting, or a flowing bloody nose

    • Any other visible symptoms that make the child uncomfortable

  • Children must be symptom-free for one full school day without symptoms suppressants before returning.

  • A child may return earlier with a doctor’s note confirming that symptoms are not related to a contagious illness.

  • If a child becomes ill during the school day, they will rest comfortably in a quiet space until picked up within one hour.

COVID-19 Policy

  • Vaccination: Full COVID-19 vaccination (or a physician’s medical exemption) is required for all staff and students.

  • Return-to-School: Children and staff showing signs of illness must follow their physician’s guidance and present two negative COVID tests taken 24 hours apart before returning.

  • Hygiene: Students wash their hands frequently with soap, and we encourage families to reinforce this practice at home.

Medication Policy

  • A Parent Consent for Administration of Medication Form must accompany all medications.

  • Medications must come in their original containers.

  • Medications (including creams, lip balm, or EpiPens) must never travel in backpacks. They must be handed directly to the staff. 

  • The school cannot administer any medication that does not meet these requirements.

COVID-19 Awareness & Precautions

COVID-19 continues to circulate in our community, with newer variants such as Nimbus and Stratus spreading widely (though not causing more severe illness). We ask families to:

  • Keep children home if they are unwell.

  • Practice good handwashing habits.

  • Notify the school if your child tests positive.

  • Stay current with vaccines by consulting your doctor.

Together, through consistent care and communication, we can help keep our community healthy and thriving.

Child Wearing Mask