There are many reasons why parents might need to keep their children home from childcare. For example, maybe your child has a fever, cough, or other illness.
Whatever the reason may be, it's important to know when it is appropriate to keep your child at home. This article will discuss some of the most common reasons for keeping a child home from daycare.
We will also provide some tips on how to handle these situations.
Signs That Your Child Might Be Sick and Not Ready to Go to Child Care
If your child has any of the following symptoms, they may not be ready to go to daycare and should remain at home:
Fever (above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37.7 degrees celsius)
A fever is a symptom that can indicate a variety of underlying conditions. Fever generally occurs when the body's temperature rises above its normal set point.
This can be due to an infection, inflammation, or other medical condition. For example, a fever is often one of the first signs a child is fighting off an infection.
In young children, a fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit is often a sign that they are sick and not ready to go to school. If your child has a fever, monitoring them closely for other symptoms or signs of illness is essential.
It is best to keep them at home until they've been fever free and consult a medical professional. Fevers can be potentially dangerous, so it is essential to err on the side of caution when it comes to your child's health.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea can be tricky symptoms to deal with. On the one hand, they can indicate a passing bug that will clear up on its own. On the other hand, however, they can also indicate a more serious illness.
As a result, taking these symptoms seriously and consulting with a medical professional if they persist is essential. When your child has experienced either symptom, keeping them home until the vomiting or diarrhea has resolved is best.
This will help your child to rest and recover. Ensure to provide plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, and consult with a doctor if the symptoms worsen or persist for more than a few days.
With proper care, most cases of vomiting and diarrhea will resolve quickly and without complication.
General Fatigue or Lack of Appetite
If your child is experiencing fatigue or a lack of appetite, this could be a sign of illness. When the body is fighting an infection, it often conserves energy, which can lead to tiredness and a loss of appetite.
Rest, and nutritious foods can help your child recover. However, if their fatigue or lack of appetite persists for more than a few days, it is best to consult a doctor.
This will ensure that there isn't an underlying medical issue and that your child receives proper care.
Any Contagious Illnesses Like Chicken Pox or Pink Eye
When your child is sick, the last thing you want is for them to spread their illness to others. Unfortunately, when other children are in close proximity to one another, it's easy for illnesses to spread quickly.
That's why many childcare facilities have policies in place regarding contagious illnesses. If your child has a contagious illness, such as chicken pox or pink eye, keeping the sick child home until they've recovered is important.
Not only will this help to prevent the spread of the illness, but it will also give your child a chance to rest and recover. In most cases, a few days at home is all that's needed for a full recovery.
So if your child is feeling under the weather, it's best to err on the side of caution and keep them at home.
Red and Watery Eyes
Red and watery eyes can be a sign of an eye infection or allergy. However, it is important to seek medical attention when the eyes become irritated and inflamed.
It is best to keep your child at home until a doctor has seen them and their condition has improved. In some cases, medications may be needed to help with the symptoms.
Cold or Flu-Like Symptoms Such as a Runny Nose, Coughing, or Sneezing
If your child exhibits cold or flu-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, coughing, or sneezing, it is best to keep them at home.
These symptoms can indicate the presence of an infection, and keeping your child home will help prevent the spread of any germs. When your child has these symptoms, make sure to provide plenty of rest and fluids and seek medical attention if their condition worsens or persists.
Unresponsiveness and Difficulty Breathing
If your child is unresponsive or having difficulty breathing, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Likewise, when a child is not responsive or has difficulty breathing, they may need immediate care from a doctor to ensure their health and safety.
Do not wait until the next day to take them in – if they are exhibiting any of these symptoms, take them to a doctor or the emergency room immediately.
A Sore Throat or Difficulty Swallowing
A sore throat or difficulty swallowing can be indicative of a more serious underlying medical issue, such as strep throat. Therefore, when these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends keeping your child at home until they have been evaluated by a doctor and reported to the local health department until their condition has improved. If you're unsure whether or not to send your child to school because they seem ill, please contact the child's primary care provider.
Making sure your child is healthy and well taken care of is of the utmost importance. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that your child may need additional attention or medical care.
When in doubt, it is always best to keep your child at home until they are feeling better. When taken care of properly, most illnesses will resolve without complication - so don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you have concerns about your child's health.
Remember: Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your child healthy and happy. When you pay attention to the child's signs of illness and take action quickly, you can help keep your child safe.
What if My Child Is Exposed to Someone With an Infectious Illness at Home?
If your child has been exposed to someone with a contagious illness, such as chicken pox or the flu, they should remain at home until the incubation period has passed and it is safe to send the sick children back to daycare. This is usually around 7-10 days after the initial exposure.
You may be able to take up to 12 weeks off from work under the Family and Medical Leave Act if your child is diagnosed with the condition that needs constant care.
How Can I Prevent My Child From Becoming Sick While in Daycare?
As a parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your child healthy and safe. However, when your child is in daycare, there are some simple steps you can take to help reduce the risk of illness.
First, make sure your child is up to date on routine vaccinations. This will help protect them against serious diseases like measles and whooping cough.
Second, Encourage frequent handwashing throughout the day. Teach children to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze and make sure they wash their hands thoroughly before eating.
Finally, provide a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A healthy immune system is the best defense against getting sick, so by following these simple tips, you can help reduce the chances of your child becoming ill while in daycare.
Final Thoughts
You may be able to take up to 12 weeks off from work under the Family and Medical Leave Act if your child is diagnosed with the condition that needs constant care. When deciding when to keep your child home from childcare, consider the facts and use common sense.
When deciding whether or not it is time to take your child back to childcare, talk to their doctor or contact the daycare center directly, as they may have additional advice specific to your situation. Ultimately, it is important to ensure that your child is healthy and taken care of in whichever environment they are in.