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**GirlMomma** · 02-21-2022, 05:33 AM

Mine it pretty typical, too. I exclude for a runny nose if it’s green/cloudy. I also exclude for a cough. If a child coughs 10x in a 30 minute period, I will send them home. Usually, if those symptoms are present, they’re pretty sick. I still check temps 2x/day.

**Blackcat31** · 02-21-2022, 08:48 AM

I don't exclude for runny noses unless it's really bad and I spend a huge amount of time wiping the child's nose and/or if it gets progressively worse over a few days time. Then I require a doctor's visit before returning. Most kids here have a runny nose all winter. Runny noses (even green or yellow) don't always signify illness. Some kids just have a runny nose all winter.

I don't "accept" allergies as an excuse for any symptoms unless the parent has a documented diagnosis and written treatment plan from the child's doctor.
Simply saying the child has allergies is not acceptable.

I also make a point of explaining to parents that I exclude for symptoms NOT specific illnesses. Wording it that way makes a big difference. I don't care what the root cause of a symptom is so parents can't say they have a temp because they had a blanket on or they threw up because they ate something their tummy didn't agree with. etc.

Most of all I implement the 24/48 rule and because of that, rarely if ever have to deal with dope and drops.

**fivestarday** · 02-21-2022, 05:31 PM

These policies all make a lot of sense. Especially the no-coughing policy and symptom-focused policy. It is simply impossible or at least improbable for kids this young to practice good hygiene. But I do notice which kids have better hygiene practices than others. Their mothers are typically more involved and have higher standards for their behavior, as well. Funny how that all correlates!

I have my own children at home right now. Sure enough, a few days ago a boy sneezed 5 times on a toy. Before I could snatch it up, another child had it in their hands. That child was sick the next day with a fever. And today, my baby is sick. Of course, I could be seeing what I want to see, adding evidence to support a conclusion I've made incorrectly. But that's why the 24/48 hr rule are good measures to follow. I exclude for the runny nose because every time I've ever had one with a runny nose, I wipe it and as soon as I've washed my hands and theirs, I have to wipe it again. Exhausting. I'm just starting out in this business after getting burned out after only 6 months a couple of years ago. I want to be careful and smarter this time around.

Thanks a lot for replying. I look forward to seeing your replies to my posts. It makes me feel less adrift or alone in this profession.

**e.j.** · 02-21-2022, 06:04 PM

For the most part, my illness policy is pretty standard. I exclude for the typical symptoms - fever, rash, gastro upset, etc. I never used to exclude for runny nose/cough/mild cold symptoms until the pandemic began but I do now.

**fivestarday** · 02-25-2022, 01:59 PM

I've got some great dcks, but I foresee at least one dropping out because of this policy. I really like the dcf of this child. But I have a baby. And I refuse to have my baby sick all the time. So the 24/48 policy...is that 24 hours symptom free? What is the 48 hour part?

**GirlMomma** · 02-25-2022, 02:48 PM

The 24/48 Rule is used by many providers on the forum. From my understanding, if the family keeps the child home for illness or symptoms you exclude for, they can return 24 hours later. If the provider (you) has to send the child home for illness or symptoms, the child returns 48 hours later.

It’s to prevent parents from being neglectful and sending sick kids to DC.

**Blackcat31** · 02-25-2022, 03:08 PM

Originally posted by Cat Herder

I started the 24/48 rule as a way to stop the dreaded dope/drop. 24 hours after the resolution of fever, etc. is the national standard, the "plus 24" is a stupid tax for getting caught medicating and lying about it.

**Springvalley** · 02-25-2022, 05:20 PM

We tell parents that their child can't come back until they are symptom free for 48 hours or are completely well. Now, if a child is sick and they bring a doctors note they get 1/2 off their tuition for the week & if they are on childcare assistance they get their illness excused for an absence. However, those that are on assistance have to watch how many absences they have because they can only have so many per month & the assistance doesn't pay for unexcused absences and then we have to bill the parent & that's not fun

**Springvalley** · 02-26-2022, 11:35 AM

Originally posted by Cat Herder View Post

Oh, wow. That is awful. So these moms have to choose between taking care of their sick kid and losing income permanently? I was not aware of that. That is wrong. I don't accept subsidy, so I am unaware of just how messed up the program really is. Makes it pretty clear it is not about the childrens needs, though, doesn't it?

Pretty much what it would down to. CMA is great if you need it and use it correctly. But we've got some that either don't swipe or they miss so many days and that's when we have to bill them. We usually try to file a claim and try to recoup the money and sometimes it works. We had one parent that they swapped daycares and when they went to change CMA sent them a new card but for some reason they never deactivated the other card for them to use the new card and it stated that they had a card on file when technically they had a card but it was an old card. CMA has had us literally send them sign in/out sheets from back last year because they were trying to fix something. It's a hassle

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Illness Exclusion Policy: What's Yours?

Illness Exclusion Policy: What's Yours?

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