Would You Exclude?

[childcaremom]

I sent home a dcb on Thursday due to a completely running nose and a really chesty cough. I accept kids into care with mild colds and mild symptoms. Mom just texted to see if he could come tomorrow. I told her that as long as his nose was not running constantly and it was clear he would be okay to come.

Mom said it isn't running constantly but that it is white so "will be keeping him home".

Would you exclude for this?

I guess I am more in line of thinking that if its yellowish or greenish that that is a sign of infection. But white is not clear. Thoughts?

(this is my family that tried to drop off before the 24 hr period, as well, so I am taking this into consideration and leaning towards "keep him home")

[MunchkinWrangler]

If he is a big milk drinker, that is normally why the runny nose could be white and I've read it could be the color of normal mucous as well.

[Unregistered]

You can't really judge whether it's viral or bacterial based on mucus color, or the severity/contagiousness. I would decide based on whether he has a fever and whether he is comfortable (hacking cough, lethargy, etc, and I would exclude)

[childcaremom]

I read the same thing, munchkin. I also read that it can be white due to being congested... which means when it releases.... an avalanche of mucous.

I think I will ask about his cough and tell them he is OK to come, with the understanding that if he is worse I will be calling g for pickup.

[childcaremom]

You can't really judge whether it's viral or bacterial based on mucus color, or the severity/contagiousness. I would decide based on whether he has a fever and whether he is comfortable (hacking cough, lethargy, etc, and I would exclude)

I have these policies as well. I am a little hesitant bc these parents tried sending him him 2 weeks ago when he has a fever the day before.... and knew my 24 hour rule. He ended up being out the whole week bc the fever came back.

Dcd thought he was fine when he brought him.

Dcm thinks he is fine this time, as well.

So that is part of my hesitation here.

And I really need to change to the 24/48 hour rule.

[Unregistered]

Yeah, it ****s. I had a dcg that had a clear runny nose and a slight loose cough, no fever and not acting sick at all. Well, needless to say, it spread to the other kids including mine. At least it isn't a rough illness, just a cold, but still, it goes to show how quickly something can spread even if there's nothing excludable. I'm a huge germ nut and I've had to learn to cool it a bit. I do not like that parents just drop off without a word and then you're left playing 20 questions with them just to figure out what went on at home.

[Lorna]

I only tell parents to keep home if vomiting, diarrhea or fever. Chances everyone one else has been exposed previous days anyways. But if the child is miserable then send home.

[Blackcat31]

I tend to think that if a parent has to ask then they should probably keep them home.

[sahm1225]

I tend to think that if a parent has to ask then they should probably keep them home.

This. If a parent offers then I agree.

[childcaremom]

I tend to think that if a parent has to ask then they should probably keep them home.

This is what I think, as well. However I do think that this family was making sure I wasn't going to turn away at the door, either.

I did end up telling her that she should use her best judgement, keeping in mind that our day is busier than a day at home. That while it sounded like he was just congested, if he got any worse or developed other symptoms, that I will be calling for pick up.

Then she wrote back that he's been fine since Friday. He was sent home on Thursday. So.... with that bit of extra info I feel a bit better about it but really will have to wait and see.

I guess I just am not 100% confident in this family anymore, kwim?

[Play Care]

Sometimes it's just easier to keep them home then to bring them and risk getting a call later on in the day whilst at work.

But I also agree with Blackcat. Usually parents don't call, so the fact that they did makes me think the symptoms are probably more than just a runny nose. It's probably leaking like a faucet.

[childcaremom]

He's actually okay... so far. If we make it through nap we will be golden.

[daycare]

Normally I tell parents lets see how they are in the morning.

I have had kids that are up all night the night before or are worse by morning, OR better by morning.

I do tell my parents since I am the one who has the final say if they can come or not, I appreciate a phone call to discuss their symptoms to see if I can still accommodate them.