Toddler Fever: What Would You Do?

[Lissa Kristine]

My concern here is a worker that has no authority to call parents (?) and 15 yr old staff person (??) arguing over medicating a child.

There is a lot wrong with this entire scenario.

I'm a relatively new hire; I'm still waiting on my universal fingerprinting form so I can get fingerprinted (even though I was just fingerprinted for another job in early October- unfortunately, it won't transfer over).

The center is going through some staff/ownership changes, and I'm pretty optimistic that the new owner is going to put her foot down about a lot of the regulations we aren't following (like the lack of soap and water for a two step cleaning procedure). I'm waiting for the changes to go into effect to see what happens before I jump ship. (Especially since finding work while working full time is a bit of a challenge).

DCG's fever spiked at around 11am this morning- 102 degrees. Assistant director says that mom is a lawyer and dad works far away, so parents are busy. She's down for a nap, but we are going to call if the fever hasn't broken when she wakes up. I, personally, think we should call NOW, but that's not my call.

Of course, I also think we need to tell her parents that we have two confirmed cases of strep throat in the school and that they need to have her checked for strep, and that she needs to be fever free for at least 24 hours without use of medication (meaning the earliest she should be back is MONDAY since we are closed Thursday and Friday).

[Lissa Kristine]

What was happening with the rest of the kids whilst this one child took two workers off the floor for around an hour by the sounds of it. Seems like a hopeless situation for op, I would be looking to work somewhere else. That child could have started convulsing or worse. The parent should ALWAYS be contacted straight away upon discovering a temperature no matter what time of day it is.

I agree. I understand that at 5pm, parents are probably not going to be able to get there any earlier than they were originally planning, but they should at least be informed before picking up.

[Meeko]

I don't give OTC meds. If a child is ill enough and cranky enough to need it....then they need to be at home. Period. Parents would be called for pick up. I call even if it's 5 minutes before regular pick up, just to inform the parent they have a sick child.

[Blackcat31]

I'm a relatively new hire; I'm still waiting on my universal fingerprinting form so I can get fingerprinted (even though I was just fingerprinted for another job in early October- unfortunately, it won't transfer over).

The center is going through some staff/ownership changes, and I'm pretty optimistic that the new owner is going to put her foot down about a lot of the regulations we aren't following (like the lack of soap and water for a two step cleaning procedure). I'm waiting for the changes to go into effect to see what happens before I jump ship. (Especially since finding work while working full time is a bit of a challenge).

DCG's fever spiked at around 11am this morning- 102 degrees. Assistant director says that mom is a lawyer and dad works far away, so parents are busy. She's down for a nap, but we are going to call if the fever hasn't broken when she wakes up. I, personally, think we should call NOW, but that's not my call.

Of course, I also think we need to tell her parents that we have two confirmed cases of strep throat in the school and that they need to have her checked for strep, and that she needs to be fever free for at least 24 hours without use of medication (meaning the earliest she should be back is MONDAY since we are closed Thursday and Friday).

Wow! First off... :hug: It sounds like you really have an awful working environment. I commend you for recognizing all that is wrong...

I definitely hope the new owner/director will step up and make some big changes... and if that doesn't happen I hope you are able to find alternate employment elsewhere as this center (as it operates currently) sounds like a giant accident just waiting to happen.

Have you considered opening your own family child care? It sounds like you have the right ideas and the knowledge to do so and you also sound like you'd be a caring, concerned and kind caregiver.

~Just curious about your options...

[daycarediva]

Wow! First off... :hug: It sounds like you really have an awful working environment. I commend you for recognizing all that is wrong...

I definitely hope the new owner/director will step up and make some big changes... and if that doesn't happen I hope you are able to find alternate employment elsewhere as this center (as it operates currently) sounds like a giant accident just waiting to happen.

Have you considered opening your own family child care? It sounds like you have the right ideas and the knowledge to do so and you also sound like you'd be a caring, concerned and kind caregiver.

~Just curious about your options...

great suggestion!

idc how "BUSY" parents are. I've had surgeons as clients. ALL need back up people.

[amberrose3dg]

Busy leading into neglect. That child needs to be home and possibly seen by a Dr. 2 days of fever and possibly getting others sick. They need to be told not to bring her back tomorrow. They are never too busy to care for their child!

[Ariana]

Classic case of director opening a daycare with zero experience with taking care of children. I worked with an engineer who opened a daycare for his church because they needed one for the members. When I went to work there I was fresh out of college but even I knew how bad it was! The final straw was when they made a child sit in her own vomit during naptime to break her of her nap time anxiety

[Buttercup]

That poor baby. The fever was discovered at 11 (obvious dope and drop) yet she remained at the center until closing time??? So she's sick and miserable for 6 hours, probably just wanting to go home and snuggle. not to mention everyone who's now been exposed. I'd be looking for a new job ASAP.

[Buttercup]

Oh, and a 15 year old telling me how to do my job would piss me OFF. XD Sorry you had to deal with all of this!!