How Sick Does A Child Have to be Before You Send Them Home?

Tanya - posted on 09/04/2009

It depends on your policy. But basically if it is bodily fluids it becomes a health risk to staff and children and you have to keep all safe and healthy. If the child is old enough to maintain hygeine: using tissues (properly), washing hands it becomes a slightly different scenario. But yes you do have to be a little empathetic and consider all scenarios - how many days is the child there?, any other symptoms?, parents working?

Melissa - posted on 07/20/2009

no, i wouldnt have sent him home. Especially this time of year. With people running A/C and such its possible he had simply an allergy. Or at worst a cold. (If that was his only symptom) and yes colds are contagious but they also help build immunities in us and other children in our care.

My policy states that a child with a fever of 101 deg or higher will go home no matter the cause, even if its teething or ear infection. And that any diarreha or vomitting within the last 24 hrs that child cannot return to daycare and will be sent home immediatley if syptoms present while in my care. As far as everything else its kind of a comfort thing for me. I am around these children usually more hours in a week than their parents. And if I see a child just not playing or looking sluggish I always call parents to give them a heads up and then leave it up to them. Sad to say most parents dont care if there kid is miserable, or so Ive found. My policy also states that NO OTC meds will be given at any time for any reason. Ive had parents show just to administer drugs and then leave again. Which isnt good for anyone.

You will figure out what works for you. But listen to your heart and dont be afraid of runny nose germs as im sure public bathrooms and shopping carts hold far worse ones. lol :)

Leshia - posted on 07/11/2009

One challenge with group care whether in home or a large company is keeping children healthy. Although parents are coming to our centers for a service individually it is still group care. That's why its important, if you feel your child has a rather excessively runny nose, they should be excluded from care. Younger children who cannot clean there noses on their own will unknowingly spread those germs throughout a center causing other children to become sick too. I am happy that you are really asking this question because it shows how great of a mom you are. As a 8 year director, i feel bad for the parents who are opposite of you- they will bring their children knowing they have had excessive diarrhea, fevers, headlice or other things to group care, and then everyone suffers- the other children and families mainly, but also the childcare's reputation.

Most state licensing guidelines and childcare companies have very strick illness policies. The goal is to keep everyone germ free!

Christi - posted on 04/05/2009

I have in my contract children, who have more than three runny bm's, rash’s, vomiting even one time, fever over 100, and if they have a bad nose or deep cough it is up to my discretion. As a parent I want to keep my kids healthy so I’m sure your parents want the same. If it is a runny nose, rash or cough they must bring a doctors note allowing them to return. All others must be element free for 24hours. It sounds harsh but everyone's health is in jeopardy when one child is sick. Hope this helps.

Christi - posted on 04/05/2009

I have in my contract children, who have more than three runny bm's, rash’s, vomiting even one time, fever over 100, and if they have a bad nose or deep cough it is up to my discretion. As a parent I want to keep my kids healthy so I’m sure your parents want the same. If it is a runny nose, rash or cough they must bring a doctors note allowing them to return. All others must be element free for 24hours. It sounds harsh but everyone's health is in jeopardy when one child is sick. Hope this helps.