SICK POLICY

Under no circumstances should you bring your child to care sick (fever of 100° or higher, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea not contained in a diaper, sore throat, runny nose other than clear, draining eyes or ears, unexplained rash, lice, etc.) If you are not sure your child is well enough to attend care, please reach out via the Brightwheel App. Masking your child’s symptoms with over-the- counter medications and bringing them to care anyway is grounds for immediate termination with loss of tuition.

It is also inconsiderate to all families involved. A sick child should be allowed to recuperate fully at home after an illness so that the other children and the provider do not risk unnecessary exposure.

If you are unable to stay home with your sick child, it will be necessary for you to make arrangements at your own expense. If your child is out ill regular fees still apply. If your child becomes ill while in my care the facility staff will call you immediately. You will be expected to pick your child up within an hour. If you do not show within an hour, The facility staff will begin calling the people on your child’s emergency contact form. Your child may be brought to care if they have a common cold (which means a slight cough, clear runny nose, sneezing); however, the facility staff will call you if your child is just plain miserable (whining, crying, repeatedly asking for you). Provider reserves the right to determine when a child should be sent home.

Your child may return to care 24 hours after symptoms of illness end. Which means if your child is sent home with a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting they cannot return until they have been symptom free for 24 hours without the aid of medications. The facility staff is responsible for the health and well-being of many children, so they will closely follow state regulations when it comes to illness. The facility staff understand and respect your need to be at work, but your cooperation is extremely important on this issue. Please call by your normal drop off time if your child will not be attending that day.

24 hour Sickness/Illness Policy

Symptom resolution:

The 24-hour rule begins when the child's symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious symptoms, have resolved naturally without the use of medication. This means that the child should not be experiencing these symptoms for a full 24-hour period.

Why It Matters:

The purpose of this rule is to ensure that the child is no longer contagious and is less likely to spread their illness to other children or caregivers in the childcare setting. It also allows the child to recover fully.

Medication Use:

It's essential to note that the 24-hour countdown starts only after symptoms have resolved on their own without the assistance of fever-reducing or symptom-masking medications (e.g., ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Using medication to temporarily relieve symptoms does not mean the child is no longer contagious.

Contagious Periods:

Different illnesses have varying contagious periods. For some illnesses, a child may no longer be contagious after 24 hours, while for others, it might take longer. It's essential to understand the specific contagious period associated with the child's illness and adhere to that guideline.

Doctor's Clearance:

In some cases, especially for certain contagious conditions like strep throat, a doctor's clearance may be required before a child can return to childcare. This ensures that the child is no longer at risk of spreading the illness.

Preventing Spread:

Adhering to the 24-hour rule is a vital step in preventing the spread of illnesses within the childcare setting, helping to keep all children and caregivers healthy.

Support for Parents:

Be empathetic and supportive of parents who may face challenges due to the 24-hour rule. Encourage them to communicate with you about their child's health and alternative childcare arrangements if needed.

As cases of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and the flu rise in our community, we want to share critical information to help keep everyone at Nurturing Creative Minds Childcare Center safe and healthy. Below are key symptoms to watch for, prevention tips, and steps we’re taking to maintain a safe environment for your children.

Common Symptoms of RSV & Flu

It’s important to recognize the symptoms of RSV and the flu, which may include:

RSV Symptoms:

Runny nose or nasal congestion
Decreased appetite
Cough, which may progress to wheezing
Fever (not always present)
Breathing difficulties (rapid or labored breathing in severe cases)

Flu Symptoms:

Fever or chills
Persistent cough
Sore throat
Fatigue or weakness
Runny nose or nasal congestion
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (more common in children)

Important: If your child is experiencing difficulty breathing, dehydration, or persistent high fever, seek medical attention immediately.

Steps We’re Taking at NCMCC

We are committed to providing a healthy environment by:

Cleaning and sanitizing classrooms and high-traffic areas multiple times a day.
Encouraging proper hand hygiene and cough/sneeze etiquette.
Monitoring children closely for symptoms and notifying parents immediately if concerns arise.
Limiting the sharing of personal items.

Important Health Policy

If your child is diagnosed with the flu and/or RSV, they will need a doctor’s note with medical clearance to return to the facility. Even with a doctor’s note, we reserve the right to extend the time your child stays home if they are still exhibiting symptoms upon their return. This policy is in place to protect the health of all children and staff members at NCMCC.

Treatment & Care at Home

Rest & Hydration: Ensure your child stays hydrated and gets plenty of rest.
Medications: Use doctor-recommended fever reducers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to alleviate symptoms (follow proper dosages).
Monitor Breathing: Watch for any signs of labored or fast breathing, especially in younger children.
Medical Attention: Consult your child’s healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or persist.

Prevention Tips

Let’s work together to minimize the spread of RSV and flu:

Frequent Handwashing: Teach children to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Cover Coughs & Sneezes: Encourage children to use a tissue or their elbow to cover their mouth.
Vaccinations: Ensure your child is up to date on flu vaccines and any other recommended immunizations.
Disinfect Frequently Used Items: Sanitize high-touch surfaces such as toys, doorknobs, and water bottles.
Avoid Sharing Utensils or Drinks: Discourage children from sharing food, drinks, or utensils.
Keep Sick Children at Home: If your child shows symptoms, keep them home to rest and recover.

When to Keep Your Child Home

Please keep your child home if they display any of the following:

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher (must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning).

• Persistent coughing or wheezing.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Vomiting or diarrhea (must be symptom-free for 24 hours).