As a parent, it can be hard to tell when your child is too sick to go to day care or preschool. A Brighter Rainbow Learning Center in Billerica, MA, advises parents to be mindful of their children’s health and schedule an appointment with your pediatrician if you suspect they are sick. Once cleared by your doctor, you can resume their normal child care schedule.

3 Times You Should Keep Your Child Home From Preschool

1. Contagious Illnesses

Whether it’s the common cold, the flu, pink eye, or strep throat, if your child is contagious, they need to stay home. Taking children to child care or preschool when they are sick and contagious will only cause the virus to spread. Most viruses require at least one to two days before they are no longer contagious. Your pediatrician can give you a better idea when your child can return to day care following an illness. 

2. Gastrointestinal Issues

If your child complains of nausea or experiences any gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea, keep them at home. It could be food poisoning or the stomach flu, and it’s better to keep them home where they can rest. As with contagious symptoms, you should get a proper diagnosis from your pediatrician before bringing your child back to day care.

3. Serious Non-Contagious Symptoms

Even if you know your child’s symptoms are not contagious, sometimes it’s easier on them to stay home. Severe allergic reactions like hives and other uncomfortable symptoms may embarrass your child and can make them feel fatigued. They can get the rest, specialized care, and attention they need by staying home until their symptoms improve.

If you aren’t sure whether you should bring your toddler or infant to your child care center, call your doctor first. The caring and experienced staff at A Brighter Rainbow Learning Center is equipped to handle a variety of illnesses and injuries as they arise, but if your child gets sick at home, it’s usually better to stay there. If you have questions about their day care center or preschool, check out their website or give them a call at (978) 670-9222.