What do you do for back-up?

[lilac]

Depends on what my kids are sick with. I usually do what the others have said, inform the parents, leave it up to them if they want their kids to come or not. But if my kids are vomiting or something, then I close for the day. I tell parents in the interview that there is the possiblity for me to close short notice due to my kids, or me being sick or family emergency etc, and that it is their responsibility to have backup care.

Having said this, I find that allowing parents to decide if they want their kids around my kids when they are sick, kinda sets the bar in that they feel it is ok for their kids to come to my house if they are sick (without bothering to ask me) and often the kids are sent anyways whether they are too sick to be here or not. I also often have the situation where the child starts to feel sick later in the day and when I bring it up to the parents I find out they had been dosed with Tylenol or something in the am and sent to me anyways. That annoys me.

[Daycare123]

Having said this, I find that allowing parents to decide if they want their kids around my kids when they are sick, kinda sets the bar in that they feel it is ok for their kids to come to my house if they are sick (without bothering to ask me) and often the kids are sent anyways whether they are too sick to be here or not. I also often have the situation where the child starts to feel sick later in the day and when I bring it up to the parents I find out they had been dosed with Tylenol or something in the am and sent to me anyways. That annoys me.

Lilac, this is what I have trouble with. There are certain stipulations in my contract under which children must be kept home (diarrhea, fever, etc.) Therefore, I feel that if my child is exhibiting these symptoms they should not be in the daycare. My daycare is on a separate floor and is self-contained and has it's own entrance so I think I will have my husband as back up-and keep the daycare open in such a event.

I still plan on asking that families have back-up care of their own- I think that is important in this business.
Thanks for all the info everyone! Although I have been running my daycare for some time- I am expecting my first baby-so running the daycare as a mom is/will be a new experience! Thanks for all the advice!!!