DAYCARE
                                  Questions and Answers

The following are the primary guidelines to look for when choosing a quality daycare facility:

• Relatively small class size
• Teachers and staff trained in early childhood
  development or education
• An open-door policy
• Safe indoor and  outdoor environment
• A clear illness policy
• Proper hygiene practices
• An overall philosophy, goals, and disciplinary
  measures that correspond with the parents'
• A program that caters appropriately to children
  with special needs

Frequently Asked Questions about illnesses & Daycare:

• If my child has a green, runny nose, does he/she need to be on an antibiotic?
  If a child's nose runs for more than 3-4 days, the color of the drainage will change to yellow or green.  This generally does not indicate a bacterial infection and the need for antibiotic unless the condition persists for more than 10 days or the child exhibits other symptoms of illness, such as fever, and facial or ear pain.

• How long should I wait after my child has started a course of antibiotics before returning him/her to daycare?
  It depends on the reason why your child is on an antibiotic.  If your child has strep throat, you should wait for 24 hours after starting the medication.  If your child has an ear infection, but is well enough to attend, there is no reason your child may not return immediately.  However, consult your health care provider.
  
• How long should I wait after my child is vomiting or has a fever before returning him/her to daycare?
  The suggested length of time is 24 hours if your child is feeling better.
  
• Does my child need to stay home when he/she has a cold?
  In the majority of cases, children can attend childcare when they have a cold.  These infections are usually contagious prior to the time that symptoms develop so the other children have already been exposed.
  
• Are daycares able to give my child his/her antibiotic appropriately and legally?
  Check with your specific childcare center. Each childcare facility has their own policy about giving children medication. If your child does need an antibiotic, be sure to review with the childcare provider the appropriate dosage and schedule.
  
• Is it true that if my child attends daycare, he/she has an increased risk of getting an ear infection?
  Children who attend daycare do tend to get more ear infections and colds. Ear infections themselves are not contagious, often occurring 3-4 days after a child develops a cold.
  
• Can my child get a cold from putting daycare toys in his/her mouth?
  Respiratory infections are most often spread through touching a contaminated surface, followed by rubbing one's eyes or nose.  However, putting contaminated toys in one's mouth may also spread these infections.
  
• What are daycares supposed to do to keep toys clean?
  The centers have policies on keeping toys regularly cleaned. Ask your childcare center how often they clean toys and how the toys, as well as other surfaces, such as diaper changing areas and bathroom and kitchen facilities are cleaned.
  
• What measures do daycares take to minimize the spread of infections from child to child?
  The best methods of decreasing the spread of infections include the use of tissues to cover a child's mouth when he/she sneezes, cleaning surfaces where children play or have diaper changes, cleaning toys, and frequent hand washing of both cildren and staff.  Ask your childcare staff about their policy.
  
• Should my child not be allowed to go outside and play while he/she is at daycare when he/she has an URI?
  As long as the child does not have a fever or additional symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, your child can play outside.