When your little one is sick, it’s hard to tell if they can head to their usual child care center or if you need to make other arrangements. It’s important you know the requirements so you don’t unintentionally expose others to your child’s ailment and also so your little one doesn’t struggle to get through their usual activities while they’re not feeling well. Below, First Steps Day Care & Learning Center in Southbury, CT, shares three signs indicating your kid should stay home.

3 Indicators Your Little One Should Stay Home From the Child Care Center

1. Fever

The human body fights infections by raising its internal temperature. If you notice your child has a fever, that means they are fighting an infection that could potentially be contagious to others. Rest helps kids break fevers, so keep them at home until their temperature returns to normal.

2. Rash

When your little one has a rash, it’s time to head to the doctor, not to a child care center. Rashes can be passed from one kid to the next, especially if they stem from chickenpox or mumps. Each of these illnesses is highly contagious, and they both make kids incredibly uncomfortable, so it’s best for them to resume their usual activities when they’re feeling better.

3. Stomach Distress

When children’s intestines are affected by passing flus, they may exhibit symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting. These signs are often indicative of highly contagious bacteria and viruses that can easily pass from one person to the next, so keep them at home until they’re feeling better.

Once your little one has recovered, they can return to the child care center again. And if you’re ever unsure whether or not they are well enough to go in, simply ask! To discuss the sick policies put in place by First Steps Day Care & Learning Center, call (203) 264-3735. Visit the website for information on enrollment, before- and after-school programs, and skilled, certified child care center professionals.