Sick Policy Question

[mickyc]

I was wondering if there ever is an instance where you don't call parents to pick up a sick child or if you always do.

I have a 17 month old today that has had very watery poops. 2 this morning and then one just as she got up from nap (this child is always a pooping machine lol other than never this watery). My policy states that after 3x then I call them to go home. She is a little crankier than usual and has had a cold (was home sick on Friday). Is there ever a time when you don't call for pickup as it is almost the end of the day anyways?

Just wondering. I texted mom and she should be here shortly.

[Blackcat3168]

If it's near the end of the day, I don't necessarily call for pick up but I do send a text stating that exact thing. I let the parent know that per my illness policy, the child will be excluded for the regular exclusion period but that I am not requiring immediate pick up due to the time of day.

[5 Little Monkeys]

If it's near the end of the day and it's just watery/dirreaha poops I would just send a text explaining the issue and say immediate pick up is not necessary. If it's a fever or throwing up I would ask that they come ASAP but not necessarily immediately. I would remind them that as per contract, they need to be fever/puking/dirreaha free for 24 hours so that would mean they couldn't come tomorrow.

[nschildcare]

The only time I haven't called is if I know mom or dad is already travelling here. I'll tell them when they get here and remind them of my exclusion period. Otherwise, all my kids are sent home.

[apples and bananas]

If I can manage it with the current amount of children I have and I don't feel that it's putting the remainder of the children in danger (contagious) and if the child does not need immediate medical care then I will simply let the parent know, but also let them know that the child does not need to be picked up.

I find most parents want to pick up their child if they're ill.

For a few watery poops, unless the child needs to be bathed or the poops are not being contained in a diaper, I'd let the client know, but keep the child.

I think sick policies are great, but when it comes down to it, it's a judgement call.

It depends on the day, the time, what's happened, is there a fever, is the child cranky, is there something the child needs that we can't provide (Tylenol, bath ect. )

But, I always advise the client of what's happening and let them choose the course of action unless I feel the child needs to leave. Then I just call them and tell them "little johnny has been sick and needs to be picked up. What time can I expect you, the sooner the better"

[mickyc]

Thanks. I did call mom to come pick up. My policy says after 3x they need to go home. She was a bit cranky yesterday. It was 3pm and I close at 5 and it just got me thinking if I should really text her to come get her. Mom came within 30minutes. I told her that if she had anymore runny poops that she needed to stay home today. She didn't have any so mom brought her back today. I said today that I would be calling after the 1st one this time - not waiting for 3. Mom was ok with that.

Thanks everyone for your input.