Kindergarten Leave Guide: Sick Leave Procedures, Quarantine Periods & Attendance
Learn about sick leave procedures in Hong Kong kindergartens, infectious disease quarantine requirements, and how attendance affects primary school admission.
Kindergarten Leave Guide
It's common for children to need sick leave. This guide covers leave procedures, quarantine requirements for infectious diseases, and attendance considerations.
Sick Leave Procedure
- Call or notify via school app on the morning of absence
- Provide child's name, class, and reason
- Consecutive sick days usually require a medical certificate
- Submit the doctor's note upon return
Tip: Save the school office number for easy contact when your child is sick.
Quarantine Periods for Common Illnesses
According to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) guidelines:
| Illness | Minimum Isolation Period |
|---|---|
| Influenza (Flu) | 48 hours after fever subsides |
| COVID-19 | Per current government guidelines |
| Chickenpox | Until all blisters have crusted (approx. 5-7 days) |
| Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease | Until recovery (approx. 7 days) |
| Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) | Until recovery |
| Gastroenteritis | 48 hours without vomiting or diarrhoea |
| Scarlet Fever | 24 hours after antibiotic treatment |
Important: Do not send sick children to school to prevent spreading infections.
Personal Leave Procedure
For personal leave (travel, family events, etc.):
- Notify school in writing 1-2 weeks in advance
- Complete a leave application form with reasons
- For extended leave (over one week), discuss with the school early
Attendance Impact
Effect on Primary School Admission
- Some primary schools may review kindergarten attendance records
- This is only one of many factors, not decisive
- Overall development and interview performance matter more
Recommended Attendance Rates
| Level | Attendance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal | 95%+ | Occasional sick leave is normal |
| Acceptable | 85%+ | Monitor reasons |
| Needs attention | <80% | May affect learning continuity |
Returning to School
- Ensure your child has fully recovered
- Bring the medical certificate
- Some schools require negative rapid test after infectious diseases
- Readjust sleep schedule before returning from long breaks
FAQs
Q: Do I need a doctor's note for a mild cold?
Generally not required for 1-2 days. Most schools require medical certificates for absences of 3 consecutive days or more.
Q: What if my child develops a fever at school?
The school will contact parents immediately. Please pick up your child promptly and seek medical attention. Keep your phone accessible.
Q: Does travel leave affect attendance records?
Yes, it counts as absence. However, occasional family trips are understandable. The key is to notify the school in advance.
Official Resources
- Centre for Health Protection: Infection Prevention Guidelines for Schools
- Education Bureau: Student Health Service
Your child's health comes first — let them rest when needed!