It is an exciting time of year as we approach the holiday season! It can also be that “yucky” time of year when strep throat, influenza and the common cold can wreak havoc on our plans and good tidings. I also understand that missing or leaving work can be extremely difficult. It can be a challenge deciding when to keep a child at home. However, exclusion from The Children’s Center is necessary to reduce the transmission of illness. And to be honest, we can not always adequately meet the needs of a child who is sick when we are caring for nine others.
When deciding whether your child needs to be kept home from childcare, the two most important things to consider are:
- Does the illness prevent him/her from comfortably participating in activities?
- Does your sick child require more attention/care than can be provided by the Center without affecting the health and safety of the other children?
- Fever (Temperature axillary 100.4 F or greater) accompanied by behavior changes or other signs of illness such as sore throat, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, ear ache.
- Signs of possible severe illness such as unusual tiredness, uncontrolled coughing or wheezing, difficulty breathing, continuous crying or irritability.
- Diarrhea (increased number of stools, runny, watery, not controlled by diaper or containing blood).
- Vomiting (more than one episode in the previous 24 hours).
- Body rash with fever or behavior change.
Happy (and Healthy) Holidays to you and yours,
Teri Ann
