Daycare illness guide: when to keep your child home - post

What is the easiest way to decide: stay #home or go?

A helpful rule is: If your child cannot comfortably take part in the normal day, they should stay home. The CDC also notes that kids should stay home when being sick would disrupt #staff’s ability to care for others. 

Try these 3 quick questions:

• Can my child #play, eat, and rest like usual?
• Does my child need one-on-one care that a #teacher can’t give in a group? 
• Could my child spread germs easily today? (This #matters a lot in #childcare settings.)

If you answer “no” to the first question (or “yes” to the other two), staying home is often the best choice.

How do I know if my child is “too sick” for #daycare?

Sometimes the symptom is small (like a runny nose), but the child feels okay. Other times, the symptom is big—or the child is clearly miserable.

Signs your child may be too sick for group care include:

• Very low energy (can’t stay awake, won’t play, wants to be held all day)
• Trouble eating or drinking
• Hard to comfort
• Pain that makes it hard to join the day (ear pain, sore throat, stomach pain)
• Needing constant help for coughing, wiping, toileting, accidents, or vomiting

This is not about “toughing it out.” It’s about #safety, comfort, and being fair to the group. #ParentTips

What symptoms usually mean “keep your child home”?

Many pediatric sources suggest staying home for common symptoms like fever, vomiting/diarrhea, or when a child is not well enough to participate. 

Here are symptoms that often mean “stay home” (and call the daycare if you’re unsure):

• Fever (your daycare may define this differently; many use around 100.4°F / 38°C or higher)
• Vomiting (especially more than once, or vomiting with tiredness or stomach pain)
• Diarrhea that is frequent, watery, or causes accidents
• A new rash with fever, or a rash that might be contagious (unknown cause)
• Pink eye with thick drainage (yellow/green) or eyes crusted shut
• Bad cough that causes trouble breathing, wheezing, or nonstop coughing
• Mouth sores with drooling that the child cannot control (this can happen with some viruses)
• Not able to keep #fluids down
• Severe behavior change (very #sleepy, very irritable, hard to wake)

Tip: If your child needs fever medicine just to “make it through daycare,” that’s a sign they likely need rest at home. #HealthAndSafety

When should I call a doctor right away?

Call your child’s #healthcare provider (or urgent care) right away if you see any of these warning signs:

• Trouble breathing (fast breathing, chest pulling in, wheezing, blue/gray lips)
• Signs of dehydration (very dry mouth, no tears when crying, very little pee)
• A stiff neck, confusion, or seizures
• A rash that looks purple/bruised, spreads fast, or comes with fever
• Severe pain that does not get better
• High fever in a very young infant (follow your doctor’s guidance for age-based fever rules)

If you’re worried, trust your gut and get medical advice. It’s always okay to ask.

When can my child go back to daycare?

Daycare return rules can vary, but many #centers look for two big things:

1. Your child feels well enough to participate, and
2. Symptoms are improving and not likely to spread easily

Common “return” checkpoints (always confirm your center’s policy):

• Fever: Often returns after being fever- #free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.
• Vomiting: Often return after no vomiting for 24 hours, and the child can eat/drink normally.
• Diarrhea: Often return after stools are improving and the child can make it through the day without accidents.
• Antibiotics (if prescribed): Some illnesses (like strep throat) may require 24 hours on antibiotics before returning (your doctor/daycare will guide you).

For hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), the CDC notes that children can often return when they have no fever, feel well enough to participate, and do not have uncontrolled drooling with mouth sores—but local rules may change during an outbreak. 

If your #daycare-asks for a doctor’s note, it’s okay to request one during your visit.

What should I tell the daycare—and what should I ask them?

Clear communication helps everyone.

Share these details (short and simple):

• When symptoms started 
• Any fever temperature and time taken
• Vomiting/diarrhea (how many times, when)
• Any rash (where it is, when it started)
• If your child had medicine (what and when)
• Any known exposure (flu, strep, HFMD, COVID, etc.)

Ask your daycare:

• “What are your return-to-care rules for this symptom?”
• “Do you need a doctor’s note?”
• “Are other children in the class sick right now?”
• “Is there an outbreak notice I should know about?”

This protects your child and supports the #classroom team. #DaycareLife

How can I reduce daycare illnesses over time?

Kids will still get sick sometimes, especially in group care. But these steps can lower how often it happens:

• Practice handwashing at home (before food, after bathroom, after coming inside)
• Teach “cover coughs” (elbow cough) and use tissues
• Keep water bottles and comfort items labeled (no sharing)
• Focus on sleep and #healthy meals (tired bodies get sick more easily)
• Stay up to date on vaccines recommended by your healthcare provider 
• Keep a “sick day #plan” (backup childcare, work plan, a small medicine/thermometer kit)

For a kid-friendly handwashing boost, check this ChildCareEd article: Handwashing for kids: fun ways to teach it

Where can I #learn more with ChildCareEd?

If you’re a provider (or a director) building strong illness policies—or a family that wants to understand them—these ChildCareEd trainings and resources can help:

• Illness, Medication, and Allergies in Child Care
• Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases
• Health & Safety Requirements for Childcare Providers

Free ChildCareEd resource (helpful for understanding illnesses and when children may need to be isolated or sent home): Illnesses & Reportable Diseases Guidelines. All Ages. Health.

And for quick tips you can share with staff and families, follow ChildCareEd on YouTube and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@childcareed