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Just a question regarding children who are often ill but never phased by it. I have the same sickness policy as most members here. Temp over 100°, hacking cough, eye discharge, lethargic, etc=sent home for 24 hrs. However, what about the child who has a runny nose, no temp, cough and should be lethargic however, is NEVER phased by any illness? Every time dcg is here like this, we all end up sick! It then lasts for three weeks here on avg. Then I'm made the bad guy for sending child home. Parent always says, "no cough at home, no fever, can't be out of work, etc." I've only sent dcg home 2x in almost 2 years but I can't keep having everyone here sick. Three tines now in approx the last 2 months! Advise please.
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What exactly are the symptoms the child does have?
As for parents that say "I can't miss anymore work"
I always reply with something along the lines of "I totally understand that and that is exactly why YOU need to have reliable back up care."
The amount of PTO time has NO bearing on my exclusion policies. If the grocery store is closed, families needing to buy milk either go without or they find somewhere else to buy milk. -
Dcg has a strong cough and constant runny nose. Dcg is also at the age of not being able to cover a cough and wipes the nasal discharge everywhere.Comment
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I would insist that the child see a Dr for ANY symptoms that last longer than 7 consecutive days.
I have a form I send with the child.
If the child has a continuous runny nose and/or cough I would require the Dr address those symptoms and state whether it is or isn't illness.
Some kids are just "wetter" than others during the early years and I've had kids that drool, cough and/or have runny noses for the first 3 yrs of their lives.
I just watch the symptoms and if things get worse, I require a Dr visit. Rinse and repeat.
I am also careful to explain to parents that teaching their child to cover theirs nose/mouth when coughing etc is the quickest and easiest way for them to assure that their child won't be sent home for these symptoms.... Most jump on board when they hear that.
Also, I find it hard to believe there is no coughing at home.
I'd request that they mention that fact alone to the Dr and see if they can get to the bottom of the child's issue.
I will PM you the sheet use when requiring a Dr visit.
It helps...
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I had this exact situation a week ago. Child had a phlemgy cough and runny nose. It lasted over a week. She was still in great spirits and had nothing I could really exclude for and luckily is awesome at blowing her nose! I also teach to cough into their elbow and it seems to work. I just figured it is the price you pay for daycare really. I cannot exclude for anything other than symptoms that I deem 'too sick to be at daycare'. Sometimes it is impossible to avoid all illness. This little girl is also constantly sick and is already on her third cold since September. Then everyone in her own house gets sick, including her infant brother. I don't know why they are always sick....except maybe poor routine and lack of sleep and good food
We were lucky that no one in my house got sick *knock on wood*Comment
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I have it in my policies that I will accept children with mild colds. If I have to follow them around with a kleenex and/or they have a hacking cough, then I would exclude.
I have found this fall to be pretty heavy with a continual rotation of colds. We just seem to get better and then get hit with another round.
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I have those same words in my policy also. Each time this child gets sick, that's what happens. Either a tissue chase all day or the hacking cough. It's just the same child who keeps passing it around and the parents insist they are doing all they can to prevent this. They really do not want to miss work, I get it, but I really do not want everyone sick all winter either. It's a fine line we walk! To top it off, the Dr. now tells them to expect 12 or 13 colds per year and that hand washing per the child "won't" really prevent anything. WHAT? DCG is 18 mos. old.I have it in my policies that I will accept children with mild colds. If I have to follow them around with a kleenex and/or they have a hacking cough, then I would exclude.
I have found this fall to be pretty heavy with a continual rotation of colds. We just seem to get better and then get hit with another round.Comment
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So you are following the child around with a kleenex? I would exclude for that and have no issue sending home. And hacking cough? I would send home.
Have you considered using the 24/48 rule? I have found that parents are a lot more cautious about sending their kids with symptoms if they know they will miss 2 days of work versus 1. Some will still push the limits but I just consistently enforce and they catch on sooner than later.Comment
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