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It is never fun to have a sick child. They feel miserable and there is very little that we, as parents, can do about it. Wherever there is a large gathering of children, like in a daycare center, germs are likely to spread.

It is essential to practice preventative measures, and these should be followed by both you and the day care providers. Here are some tips to make sure you and your daycare center are on the same page:

Ask the Staff Questions

The only way to know what is going on behind the scenes is to ask the staff questions. You can find out what measures, if any, the staff are using to keep your child safe at daycare. Some centers are more vigilant about germ-fighting procedures than others. If you have a child with a compromised immune system, you may want to consider choosing a center with a stricter cleaning schedule. Ask questions such as:

  • How often do staff wash their hands?
  • How often are the toys cleaned?
  • What is the center’s policy for sick kids?
  • What cleaning products does the center use?
  • How often are the bathrooms cleaned?

Having the answers to these and any other questions on your list will assist you in making the right decision for your child.

Know the Policies

Knowing the sick child policy in your program can save you from headache. Additionally, teachers and caregivers do not appreciate what is known as the ‘drop and run’ technique. This is when parents drop off their sick kid and run out the door before any of the staff has a chance to notice they are ill. It is dangerous for the other kids in the classroom and exposes everyone to unnecessary germs. By knowing the classroom policy – and sticking to it – you can ensure everyone is healthy and keep on the teacher’s good side.

Avoid the Spread of Germs

If your child is showing symptoms, don’t send them to school. If every parent kept their sick kid home, there would be far less germs roaming the classroom. Unfortunately, sometimes the symptoms do not rear their head until it is too late, and the child is already at school. In this case, be ready at work, or wherever you are during the day, to drop everything and come pick up your child. Having a sick day plan in place is important because you never know when an illness is going to strike. If all the parents in the center work together to make the classroom more germ-free, it will create a better environment for everyone involved.

If you do not like the answers provided by your daycare or if your child is becoming sick too often, it might be time to search for a new program. A daycare should have a plan in place for any outbreak. To feel you are leaving your child in a safe environment, you need to know they are receiving a high level of care.

Additional Resources:
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/daycare-germs#1
https://www.verywellfamily.com/drop-and-run-child-care-616856
https://www.whattoexpect.com/family/childrens-health-and-safety/when-is-child-too-sick-for-day-care/

 

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