Fall and winter bring coughs, sniffles, and the occasional stomach bug. Young children are still building their immune systems, and they share toys, hugs, and snacks. We can't prevent every illness, but good habits help a lot.
What we do every day
Handwashing, often. Children wash hands before eating, after using the bathroom, after coming in from outside, and at other key times.
Cleaning and sanitizing toys, tables, and high-touch surfaces.
Fresh bedding. Every child rests on their own crib or cot with clean sheets.
Watching closely. If a child becomes ill at the center, we provide a supervised place to rest away from other children and call you right away.
When to keep your child home
Children should stay home when they are too ill to comfortably take part in the day, including outdoor play. In most cases, children must be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning. A fever means a temperature of 100.4°F or higher.
Some illnesses have specific return rules or require a note from a health care provider. You can find our full illness return chart on the For Families page, and the Director will confirm what applies.
A few important reminders
Notify the Director by 9:00 a.m. if your child will be absent.
If we call, please pick up within one hour.
Keep emergency contacts current so we can always reach someone.
Let us know within 24 hours if your child or a household member has a reportable communicable disease.
Healthy habits at home
Make handwashing fun: sing "Happy Birthday" twice while scrubbing.
Teach the "vampire cough" into an elbow.
Protect sleep and offer plenty of fluids.
Talk with your pediatrician about recommended vaccines, including the yearly flu shot.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep every child healthy.