Stuck in a Rutt..Sick Policy vs Loosing Income

[Sprouts]

Okay so I am in a not so good situation....

My favorite family, my main income pretty much, and the most easy going baby just told me she might have to look for another child care provider. This gave me the worst feeling in my heart....

the reason being my sick child policy...its pretty standard, i am a little more strict then some other daycares...but pretty much the parents aren't allowed many days off...so when her daughter has a cold its hard for them to keep her home. Mind you she is one, she cannot blow her own nose, if she has a lot of boogers, its everywhere, I am pregnant as well and the constant going back and forth and having to sanitize everything is not the most fun.

At the moment my two children are sick, my husband is staying with them to keep them seperate, so the only other child that I am watching today is still not sick...and I would like to try and keep it that way...so when mom dropped baby off today she says she barely has a runny nose and had a slight cough this morning but nothing serious, her family thinks its probably "allergies" but grandma doesnt want to watch her because she gets sick easily:confused:...so fine...a minute later her daughter sneezes and a clearish greenish booger comes out....her mom leaves, 5 minutes later her nose starts running and right away baby starts smearing it all over her face.

I already know how this will turn out...all day wiping, all night sanitizing...so I call mom and tell her the great news, she handles it well, comes rights back, but i know is not happy...she tells me her job is super upset and she only has one more sick day left and she hopes she doesnt get fired oh and its strange because for some reason at home all weekend her nose is barely runny at all, just when she comes her i guess....i feel bad because if i really wanted to i could have stayed with her and kept cleaning her face all day and smeared boogers until 6pm...but I do have my sick policy for a reason.

So i am stuck in a rutt, she just texts me saying she might have to look for another child care, but she would love her daughter to stay with me but she has no more sick days barely and cant stay home with her if she is "semi-sick"

She is my main income, i only watch 2 kids, 1 full time 1 part time...were about to have a baby in like 7 weeks...

any advice i would love to hear, thank you all

[MarinaVanessa]

JMPO ~

If my sickness policy included minor colds and runny noses like yours does I'd be out of business. From my experience in reviewing different providers policies (on the board of our county's child care association, it's a part of what we do) it's not standard at all in my area.

The only time that a child is excluded for a runny nose is if it's accompanied by a fever. The fever is the kicker, not the runny nose. Otherwise I chalk it up "just part of the job". Everyone runs their businesses how they see fit however so if you don't want to wipe noses and toys then go for it! But expect that this family may have different needs than you can accomodate and they'll have to find a different childcare provider.

[JenNJ]

Colds are colds. I don't exclude over colds. Kids get them a lot and so do adults. Green boogers do not always mean an infection. Honestly, if I were a daycare parent, I would find a place that accepted colds. It is just not reasonable to expect parents to take off for a cold. 7-10 days that a cold lasts x 3 colds a year means 21 days minimum misses work. Crazy!

[MyAngels]

I agree with the PPs - if I excluded for colds I wouldn't be in business for long.

I recently attended a seminar about managing infectious diseases in the child care environment and was surprised at the few times they suggested that exclusion was appropriate - i.e., for the most part exclusion doesn't prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

[Crystal]

I have advice, but it is not likely what you want to hear.

If you have a sick policy that excludes children who have a cold, you are going to have this problem A LOT. Kids get colds. Usually, they are sick before you even realize it and everyone has already been exposed, meaning it is likely everyone is going to be sick within days and you would have to exclude everyone. Also, a cold generally lasts for 7-10 days, so would you expect parents to take off the entire time their child has symptoms? This is not realistic, for you or for the parents.

I would reconsider the sick policy, deal with the runny noses (as much as it ****s) and only exclude for severe symptoms such as fever/vomiting/diarrhea.

DCM is right. She is going to have to consider alternate care if you stick to this policy. It isn't even cold/flu season yet and she is down to one day of sick leave left because she has had to call out when her child has a cold.What is she to do when her child is REALLY sick and she has no time left? Just like you, she cannot afford to lose her job.

SO, personally, I would call Mom and tell her I have reconsidered and that you will allow her child to attend when she has a cold.

I know it ****s....none of us enjoy the runny noses, coughing and whiny children. BUT, it is part of the job and the sooner you adjust to that, the sooner you will ensure job security

[Crystal]

LOL....when I started posting there were no responses! Now there are four ahead of mine

[Sprouts]

so if your children went to a childcare and you saw another baby there with a constant runny boogery face would u want ur child in a place like that?

I understand what you both are saying, and ive had her child here coughing and runny nose, i just have in my policy "persistent runny nose" to the point where i cannnot maintain a sanitary environment.

If she had a runny nose that needed to be wiped like every 10-15 minutes fine...but when its like every 5 minutes, and with a sneeze its a huge booger...that will be hard to keep sanitary

[Crystal]

so if your children went to a childcare and you saw another baby there with a constant runny boogery face would u want ur child in a place like that?

I understand what you both are saying, and ive had her child here coughing and runny nose, i just have in my policy "persistent runny nose" to the point where i cannnot maintain a sanitary environment.

If she had a runny nose that needed to be wiped like every 10-15 minutes fine...but when its like every 5 minutes, and with a sneeze its a huge booger...that will be hard to keep sanitary

I may not like it, but I would understand. As a parent, I would know that it happens.

Ask mom to give her something to ease the runny nose. If she is hesitant to medicate, tell her to try a homeopathic remedy, and perhaps you can also do it at daycare. I would also be using the bulb syringe to clean out her nose frequently....that should limit the runny nose because you will get the majority of it out with the syringe. VICKS for babies under the nose works wonders as well!

Also, how mobile is the one year old? Is it possible to set up a play yard for just her to play in? Then you would really only need to sanitize the space she plays in and not the entire home? Also, considering you only care for one other child, it might be feasible to keep them separated anyway.

[Country Kids]

Believe me I know its hard! I had a 3 year old this year that was the same way-went through a box of tissues in a day. I was contemplating about what to do because it was more then I could keep up with. The thing though alot of mine do this at the same time-6 of them. We seriously couldn't tell if its was always colds or allergies.

Yes, even though they were older they could never quiet get their noses wiped very well and blown so I was constently on nose duty. I actually a few days just used hand sanitizer because I would have basically stood in the bathroom washing my hands.

I would understand though if the parent pulled their child as I was sick 7 days this year and had parents complaining about not having anymore sick time. Imagine if they took my time, their time and childs time everytime we had a runny nose or didn't feel good.

[NiNi.R.]

You have a right to run your business the way you want but I don't think this mom is out of line by wanting to find another provider.

I agree with others. That is something that's part of the job. I certainly wouldn't want to close down every time my own children had a runny nose and wouldn't expect a parent to stay home every time their's did either.

My suggestion is that if you think it is something more than allergies maybe request her to check with the doctor and bring you a note.

[JenNJ]

so if your children went to a childcare and you saw another baby there with a constant runny boogery face would u want ur child in a place like that?

I understand what you both are saying, and ive had her child here coughing and runny nose, i just have in my policy "persistent runny nose" to the point where i cannnot maintain a sanitary environment.

If she had a runny nose that needed to be wiped like every 10-15 minutes fine...but when its like every 5 minutes, and with a sneeze its a huge booger...that will be hard to keep sanitary

That is a fact of group care. Like it or not, the parent chose group care and all that comes with it.

[sharlan]

I have to agree with the others. This mom has run out of time off. If she loses her job over her daughter having a cold, she not only can't pay you, she can't pay her other bills.

If you can't handle the snotty noses, daycare may not be the right thing for you.

Personally, I can't handle snotty noses, it grosses me out to the point that I choke. I just **** it up, close my eyes and take care of it.

I try not to exclude kids as much as possible. I call for pick up for vomiting, diarrhea, and a fever over 101*. We just had pink eye, 2 out of 8 kids got it, plus me. I notified all of my parents and let them know it was up to them to come or not. All the parents showed up with kids in tow. One of my parents has it now, but we had it 2 weeks ago, and his child didn't get it. I'm hoping that his daughter doesn't get it and bring it back.

[Country Kids]

Wow, you stayed open with pink eye! I would be in so much trouble if I allowed the kids to stay here that had that. They aren't even allowed to go to school here with it.

I would definetly expect for it to come back into the childcare. Especially if a parent picked it up and their child didn't even get it.

[Sprouts]

Yeah I see, I either need to **** it up, litterally and figuratively....or
I just need to decide if group is what I really want....were all stressed out here because my husband is with our kids since they have a fever from this ....parent is stressed because she is home another day cleaning boogers when she can be working....here is my sick policy, does this sound too much? Ive posted it before but i never thought it was extreme


Wellness Policy Statement of Understanding
Please read wellness policy carefully so we all have the same understanding when it comes to keeping all of our children happy and healthy.
Please initial each statement to recognize understanding

______I agree to notify the day care at drop off of ANY medication given to the child within six hours of the drop off.
______I understand that if my child exhibits any of the following symptoms, I or one of my emergency contacts are required to pick them up within 45 minutes of being notified.
1. Fever 100.0 F or above (please do not give medication before drop off to mask fever or symptoms)
2. Vomiting,
3. Diarrhea,
4. An undetermined body rash,
5. A persistent runny nose,
6. Coughing***,
7. Extreme changes in usual behavior.*
______I understand that children who have vomited or have diarrhea are not allowed to enter the day care until they are symptom free for a full 24 hours.
______"In certain situations, a medical form must be obtained before your child can be re-admitted into care. These forms require a written diagnosis from the child's physician and must state the following information:
• the diagnosis
• the treatment
• length of recommended exclusion
Re-admission to child care will be at MY discretion. Please do not assume the doctor can give permission for re-admittance.
______I understand that ************** does not administer nebulizer or breathing treatments.
_______In case of accidental injury or emergency illness, I will be notified immediately after emergency medical services have been summoned.* ************ will not accompany any child to the hospital or physicians office if emergency medical services is enlisted unless there is enough staff.*

***There are times when a child may be excluded due to the required amount of care he/she needs when experiencing a common cold or illness. For example, a cough that is disruptive to normal daily activities, when a child is unable to cover his/her mouth while coughing or when the amount of nasal discharge or fluid becomes unmanageable for the provider to continue maintaining a sanitary environment. This will occur at my discretion and will be handled on an individual basis."
Parent Name: ________________________ Signature: ________________ Date: _____________
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. It means a lot to all of us, the children, the staff, and families.

[DCBlessings27]

Yeah I see, I either need to **** it up, litterally and figuratively....or
I just need to decide if group is what I really want....were all stressed out here because my husband is with our kids since they have a fever from this ....parent is stressed because she is home another day cleaning boogers when she can be working....here is my sick policy, does this sound too much? Ive posted it before but i never thought it was extreme


Wellness Policy Statement of Understanding
Please read wellness policy carefully so we all have the same understanding when it comes to keeping all of our children happy and healthy.
Please initial each statement to recognize understanding

______I agree to notify the day care at drop off of ANY medication given to the child within six hours of the drop off.
______I understand that if my child exhibits any of the following symptoms, I or one of my emergency contacts are required to pick them up within 45 minutes of being notified.
1. Fever 100.0 F or above (please do not give medication before drop off to mask fever or symptoms)
2. Vomiting,
3. Diarrhea,
4. An undetermined body rash,
5. A persistent runny nose,
6. Coughing***,
7. Extreme changes in usual behavior.*
______I understand that children who have vomited or have diarrhea are not allowed to enter the day care until they are symptom free for a full 24 hours.
______"In certain situations, a medical form must be obtained before your child can be re-admitted into care. These forms require a written diagnosis from the child's physician and must state the following information:
• the diagnosis
• the treatment
• length of recommended exclusion
Re-admission to child care will be at MY discretion. Please do not assume the doctor can give permission for re-admittance.
______I understand that ************** does not administer nebulizer or breathing treatments.
_______In case of accidental injury or emergency illness, I will be notified immediately after emergency medical services have been summoned.* ************ will not accompany any child to the hospital or physicians office if emergency medical services is enlisted unless there is enough staff.*

***There are times when a child may be excluded due to the required amount of care he/she needs when experiencing a common cold or illness. For example, a cough that is disruptive to normal daily activities, when a child is unable to cover his/her mouth while coughing or when the amount of nasal discharge or fluid becomes unmanageable for the provider to continue maintaining a sanitary environment. This will occur at my discretion and will be handled on an individual basis."
Parent Name: ________________________ Signature: ________________ Date: _____________
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. It means a lot to all of us, the children, the staff, and families.

I don't think your sick policy is too extreme when laid out how it is. However, if you are only watching 1 other child today besides this sick one who came, I don't see how you couldn't maintain a sanitary environment. If I was only caring for 2 children, I'd definitely have time to wipe a nose every 5 minutes and sanitize. Even if the other child got sick, it's only a cold. Since you're pregnant, I understand that you don't want to be sick. I'm pregnant too, and I've had kids with cold symptoms for several weeks now. If you wanted to exclude the sick child AFTER you had your newborn for these reasons. I'd understand that. The last thing I want my newborn exposed to would be a cold.

I'm like many of the others and only exclude for vomiting/dirrahea/fevers over 100. I would not exclude for cold symptoms unless the child had other symtoms (ie fever) or wasn't acting like himself/herself.