When children are exposed to a daycare setting for the first time, the spread of infection is common. In fact, infants and toddlers are sick an average of eight to 12 times during their first year of day care. Carrier Academy of Learning takes every precaution to keep the center clean and sanitized, but the fact remains that children easily pick up illnesses.
While not every sniffle is a reason to keep your child home, it can be a tough decision for parents, particularly working families who may have trouble finding alternative care on short notice. What should you know about standard procedure?
Official Recommendations
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the following criteria warrant a child staying home:
- The condition does not allow him or her to comfortably participate in activities.
- Caring for the child diverts staff attention away from other children.
- The child’s condition poses a harmful risk to others.
In general, the following symptoms should keep a child out of the daycare setting:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Quickly spreading rash
- Vomiting
- Contagious disease – strep throat, lice, chickenpox, measles, etc.
What about a runny nose or cough? If sinus pressure causes severe headache or your child is wheezing, keep him home. Otherwise, common cold symptoms that do not cause irritability, persistent crying or trouble breathing are generally “safe” for the daycare setting.
Stopping the Spread of Illness
Parents and an emergency contact for each child should always be reachable by phone, in case he or she starts to display symptoms of serious illness and needs to be picked up. While getting sick is inevitable, we can all work together to stop the spread of illness with diligent hand-washing and regular cleaning of shared toys and play areas.
Carrier Academy of Learning holds the highest standards of early education. To learn more about the daycare services we can offer your family, contact us today!