How to Tell If Your Child is Too Sick for Daycare

Children get sick. They catch colds and stomach bugs. They get fevers and ear infections. So how do you know when they're well enough to go to daycare, and when you should keep them home?

Most centers have guidelines to help you determine when a sick child should be kept home. If you are ever in doubt, ask yourself these two questions. "Is he contagious?" "Will it be difficult for him to participate?" If the answer to either of these questions is yes, your child should stay home.

Any behavior or physical condition that is unusual or out of the ordinary for your child should be considered in deciding whether or not to bring him to daycare. Here are a few of the most common things to look for.

Fever
Anything that is higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit is usually indicative of something brewing, even if other symptoms are not yet present.

Rash
Any unknown outbreak on the skin could be contagious or a sign of another illness and should be checked out by a doctor.

Vomiting or diarrhea
Both are symptoms that a child is ill and should not be around other children.

Sore throat, cough or runny nose
If it is severe or persistent, your child should avoid contact with other children until he is feeling a little better.

Fatigue
If your child seems tired or listless, or did not get much sleep due to not feeling well, he will probably not feel well enough to engage in the usual activities of daycare. He should be home resting.

Difficulty breathing
Whether it is due to asthma, allergies or severe congestion, if your child is wheezing or is having trouble breathing, he will not be able to play outside, especially if the weather is particularly cold or hot. He may not be able to participate in any gross motor activities at daycare, and may have trouble if he exerts himself.

If you are unsure about whether or not to bring your child to daycare, call your pediatrician. Usually there is a nurse who can answer your questions, or schedule an appointment for your child to be seen by the doctor. Your doctor can determine whether your child's condition is contagious, whether it needs to be treated and how long he should be kept home from daycare.

It is always best to err on the side of caution, since it is not only your child's health at risk, but also the health of the other children and caregivers at the center. The caregivers and other parents and children will appreciate your consideration in not exposing them unnecessarily.