Most mild illnesses do not require that your child be excluded from their usual child care program. For example, as long as comfortable participation in activities can be maintained and no other signs suggesting a more severe illness exist, most children with a mild respiratory tract infection can safely attend their usual child care program. However, some illnesses may require evaluation by your child's healthcare provider to make a diagnosis, initiate appropriate treatment, or provide guidance to help your child get well before she returns to her program. Some reasons your child may need to be excluded from participation in her child care program, and your child's healthcare provider contacted include:

• Illness that prevents your child from comfortably participating in program activities. 
• Illness that results in a need for care that is greater than the staff can provide. 
• Conditions that suggest the possibility of severe illness (fever, lethargy, irritability, difficulty breathing).
• Vomiting and certain types of diarrhea.
• Certain specific infections that require initiation of treatment before return to a program.

Because your child may develop signs or symptoms of an illness while attending her program, the health status of each child at the program should be evaluated by a trained staff member throughout the day. Additionally, procedures should be in place to provide appropriate care, supervision, and contact with you should your child become ill.

Call us anytime if you have concerns with your sick child or check our website for information on health or illness.