This is taken from our handbook:

 

SYMPTOMS REQUIRING REMOVAL OF CHILD FROM CHILD CARE

Fever: Fever is defined as having a temperature over 98.6°F taken under the arm, over 99.5°F taken orally, or over 100.4°F taken rectally. A child needs to be fever free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to childcare; that means the child is fever free without the aid of Tylenol or any other fever reducing substance.

Diarrhea: runny or watery stools, or 2 or more loose stools within last 4 hours.

Runny nose: Your child may be brought to care if he/she has a common cold (slight cough, clear runny nose, occasional sneezing). Discharge of any color other than clear is not acceptable in childcare.

Runny and/or Crusty Eyes: Watery, matted, and/or red/pink eyes are not acceptable in childcare.

Unexplained Rash

Your child will not be accepted into childcare if he/she has had any of the above symptoms within the last 24 hours. A sick child should be allowed to recover fully after an illness so that other children in the group do not risk exposure and so that the child is able to fully participate in childcare activities. If you are unable to remain at home with your sick child it will be necessary for you to make substitute child care arrangements at your own expense. If your child becomes ill while in our care, we will notify you immediately. You are required to pick up your child within 60 minutes of notification. If you cannot be reached then your emergency contact will be called.

If your child is out ill regular fees still apply. We reserve the right to determine when a child should be sent home due to illness. Children may return to care 24 hours after symptoms of illness end or with

written authorization from your doctor stating the name of illness and when child may return to group care. Please notify we as soon as possible when your child becomes ill so that we may notify the other parents.

If your child is thought to have a communicable disease, you will be notified and asked to pick him/her up. He/she will be isolated from the other children and given special attention and comfort until you arrive. Your child will be accepted back into care when no longer contagious. All other parents will be notified of the possibility of a communicable disease and what symptoms to watch for.

Many times the childcare may get blamed for the illness of a child, meaning that we have "allowed" sick children to come here. Parents may not stop to think that when sick children are brought to our home, our entire family is also at risk of exposure. How would you feel if another parent brought their sick child and exposed your child? We will always respect your need to be at work. We ask, however, that when deciding if your child should be at home, you give consideration to the other children. Ask yourself how you would feel if another child were as ill as your child. Would you want your well child exposed to these symptoms?