Fever - what do you do?

[GymMom]

If a dck comes down with a fever during the day, do you send them home? I'm in that situation right now - I'm going to keep her today (mom is bringing Tylenol) because she is the only dck here today - but normally I would send her home - is that what you would do?

[Spixie33]

No I don't usually send home for just a fever unless they are miserable and some other symptoms are with it where I feel like I can't give them the attention they need.
fever could just be teething so it would be silly to send home for that.
Most of my parents send Tylenol in the supplies and sign a release saying I can administer if needed. I would probably give a dose and then see how it goes. If things don't get better or there is any other symptom than I would contact the parent.
Just a fever -- probably not.
Good luck with your afternoon :)

[Inspired by Reggio]

Depends on how high the fever is and any other symptoms that are accompanying it .... here if it is over 101 than they need to be home for observation but a low grade fever and a child who is otherwise coping in the program than I just monitor and ensure they stay hydrated and comfortable and let it do its job!

[jodaycare]

If the temp is 102 or higher, I send home. I have been dealing with fevers this high since last week. All of the daycare kids have had it along with a wicked cough. I just sent one home as her fever came back after being off last Friday, she hasn't been well all week. She is going to the dr again, she was there on Fri and they were told it was a virus but now her voice is really hoarse and she isn't eating or drinking much. I send home at 102 regardless of other symptoms.

[giraffe]

I send home for anything over 101. I am conserned that you opened a "can of worms" letting mom bring meds then head to work.

[gcj]

yes. 101 means they go home. If they have a fever, they are have come down with something or are fighting something. I will not medicate them just to mask the problem so that they can go on with their day. I will give them Tylenol to relieve pain/symptoms while waiting for mom or dad, but fever means they go home.

Usually they are unable to keep up with the daycare pace if they have a fever.

[Momof4]

I do call parents to come pick up their child at 101F because the fever is a symptom of a greater problem, like an ear infection which we can't see. I do NOT medicate a child and don't want a parent to medicate their child and bring them to daycare because as soon as the fever returns in a couple hours they have to come pick up the child.

A virus typically has a low temp and I never send them home for a virus but a bacterial infection requires penicillan or other prescribed antibiotics and a doctor makes that diagnosis. That's the difference.

[fruitloop]

I send them home for anything over 100F. Teething for the most part doesn't go over 100F unless there is something else going on as well. I don't want any kids here with a fever.

[Crayola kiddies]

I agree that it depends on how high the fever is and if the child is coping in the program. If the fever is over 101 then I call to pick up. I don't administer Tylenol/advil to the children in my care, Only dr prescribed medication.

[apples and bananas]

I will advise the parent if the child starts a fever and keep them updated. I will keep the child if I can manage it and I always tell the parents that. If I have 4 strong and the child starts to fade then I will tell the parent to pick up. If I have one or 2 and cuddling in my arms is working then I won't inconvenience the parent. If the fever goes high grade then the parent needs to come. I will not medicate here and I don't want the child getting to a high fever that I can't handle.

Most parents offer to get the child right away or make arrangements for an early pick up if they start into a fever.

As far as contagious goes... well, whatever it is is contagious before the fever hits so at that point they might as well stay.

[playfelt]

Similar to apples and bananas. I will call the parents to give them a heads up - basically a warning to put your day in order since you may be needing to leave early and/or you might want to make a doctor's appointment for your child for later in the day.

My kids always had very high fevers no matter what and while I used to get very upset my doctor always said he was more concerned about a child with a low fever but was lethargic than a child with a high fever that was trying to go about with their day and the main concern was to maintain hydration.

Yes the child is sick and might even be contagious but they have been contagious all morning so letting them rest on the couch for a few hours isn't going to change the fact the others have been exposed. As well not all infections are as contagious as you would think so yes there may be an ear infection but they won't necessarily spread it. And yes viral infections are also contagious but you can't do anything for them other than make child comfortable till it runs its course.

I use common sense more than rigid standards of when to call a parent to send a child home. It has to do with the health history of the child and how old they are such as a baby that can be put aside in a playpen or gated area or exersaucer or given a longer naptime is easier to manage than the child that is coughing and sneezing all over their friends and the toys because they don't know any better.

[fruitloop]

I guess I have a different view to this than a lot of you. Yes a child may be contagious before the fever but I prefer not to expose children longer than neccessary to a possible virus. Just because they were exposed for a few hours before hand doesn't mean they will or won't catch it...extended exposure raises those chances and I prefer not to do that. Plus, the longer I am exposed to it the higher the chance of ME getting it as well and then everyone is screwed for care.

[monkeymama]

In my cases Ive experienced, a fever isnt usually alone. It usually comes with more symptoms. I use my judgement regarding whether it is just teething or something much more. When kids are sick, they should be at home with their parents. jmo.

[Lou]

Oh yes, anything over 100F and the parent gets called and the child must be picked up within the hour. the child may return when he/she has been fever free for 24 hrs.