Hi Jenn-FSFCC--I like your policy in regards to parents being dishonest about the child's sickness. It has happened to me also, where parents will give medication to the child before they come and not tell me that they have a fever. A few hours later the child is feverish and vomiting. I have had parents say that they cannot get to the daycare because they cannot get off work and that there emergency contact cannot get the child. I let them know that I need someone to pick up the child within 1 hour, if not I will contact the Ministry and they can come for the child. Even though the Ministry will not do this the parents do not know and the parents are very good next time about bringing their child when they are sick.
One of the points in my wellness/illness policy states that if the child has a runny nose and eyes or mouth that the child may not attend the childcare. I also have a poem that I put on the front door during winter months:
Mary had a little lamb
She also had the flu
When she can to daycare
The others got it too.
So if your Mary is sick
Please keep her home with you
And everyone in the daycare
Will be healthier and happier too.
I usually don't have to say anything to the parents when they see this poem. Try it, it may help you.