DCK with broken collar bone

[5 Little Monkeys]

Why wouldn't I charge for the days they were away?

My thought with this is because I have nothing in my contract or sick policy that addresses broken bones etc, it kinda leaves it open to the parents to decide if they send their child. If the child is in too much pain to complete a full day at dc than I do have that in my sick policy and wouldn't feel bad about asking them to stay home and still charging them. I don't know what your sick policy covers though so that is why I asked. Your situation makes me aware that I should maybe add in a blurb about broken bones etc.

[Crayola kiddies]

Two of my kids broke their collar bones .... My oldest daughter when she was two ...she refused to wear a sling and I don't remember ever having a problem .... She would hold her arm bent but this was 20 years ago so my memory is fading a bit and my oldest son broke his just as we were leaving for Florida .... He was three and would wear the sling .... We were driving to Florida so by the time we got there ( 3 days ) he took the sling off and never complained once about his shoulder. So I would think after a full week at home he will be just fine and no major precautions will be needed.

[bright sparks]

My thought with this is because I have nothing in my contract or sick policy that addresses broken bones etc, it kinda leaves it open to the parents to decide if they send their child. If the child is in too much pain to complete a full day at dc than I do have that in my sick policy and wouldn't feel bad about asking them to stay home and still charging them. I don't know what your sick policy covers though so that is why I asked. Your situation makes me aware that I should maybe add in a blurb about broken bones etc.

I understand what you are saying. I could add to my sickness policy year after year with a never ending list of reasons and I find it much easier for myself and very clear for all parents to understand by simply stating that if for any reason your child does not attend daycare and I am open for business then full fees are due. It makes it much easier to understand and prevents parents from finding any loopholes not to pay. If I take time off for any reason, no payment. If you take time off for any reason, full payment. Sometimes simplicity makes things easier.

[bright sparks]

Two of my kids broke their collar bones .... My oldest daughter when she was two ...she refused to wear a sling and I don't remember ever having a problem .... She would hold her arm bent but this was 20 years ago so my memory is fading a bit and my oldest son broke his just as we were leaving for Florida .... He was three and would wear the sling .... We were driving to Florida so by the time we got there ( 3 days ) he took the sling off and never complained once about his shoulder. So I would think after a full week at home he will be just fine and no major precautions will be needed.

Interesting...that's very helpful, thank you.

[Lou]

I had a 3 yo boy break his collar bone last year. He came back to care a few days later, and it was really no big deal. Mom is extremely laid back and said that yes, he just has to do his best to favour the arm but not to worry too much. I asked her if she wanted me to have him refrain from any activities and she said no, just to calm him down if he gets too excitable. DCB naturally favoured the bad side, and he did have falls and scuffles, etc, and I always told Mom about it at the end of the day but really a child can trip and fall anywhere...not just at daycare. So, in my experience it worked out just fine, so I would just go with it.

[Crayola kiddies]

Your welcome !!!!

[bright sparks]

Thanks for all the feedback ladies. Knowing that this type of injury doesn't involve a cast just had me questioning how this would actually work in a home daycare's unique environment and I feel much better about talking to mum about things this afternoon now.

[playfelt]

Also maybe set up a table where child can go and rest his arm on a pad for a bit to take the pressure off it if he wants to but put it in an out of the way space so it is like a safe area for him. Even little ones soon comprehend XXX has a booboo on his arm and we have to not touch.

[bright sparks]

Great idea playfelt.

I spoke with mum and I am so glad I got some insight on here prior to doing so. If I had verbalized my shock and concerns initially with her I think I would have just fed into her anxiety and fear on the situation. Mum is keeping him home for the week and after that we are going to take things 1 day at a time. After 1 week here he will have his sling off which makes mum nervous and me too to be honest, but again we will just be cautious and see how he goes. I think he will be fine with some minor adjustments and if he is in to much discomfort and can't partake in the days activities, for the most part, then I will call parents for a pick up. This approach really seemed to reassure mum that I would use my best judgement in keeping him safe during the day while not down playing his needs and assuring her that I would be calling if it would be a better alternative for him to be at home.