Northern Lights Preschool & Child Care in Anchorage offers a range of age-appropriate programs for children of all ages, from infant care to before- & after-school care for elementary and middle school students. For older children, Northern Lights Preschool & Child Care features tutoring centers and even SAT & PSAT prep programs. As the area's top licensed daycare, they know what it's like to take care of sick kids, and they offer some advice on what to do if you aren't sure if you should take your child to school.

Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if your child is truly sick or simply hoping for a few extra hours at home to relax and play. Here are some tips to help you determine if your child is too sick for daycare:

• Fever: An elevated temperature is often a sign of a more significant illness, like influenza or an infection. If your child experiences a fever, especially in conjunction with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or dizziness, keep her home and visit a doctor immediately.
• Vomiting Or Diarrhea: Symptoms like these not only indicate illness, but they also feel exhausting and can often be frightening for your child. The licensed daycare professionals in Anchorage suggest keeping your child home if he or she experiences vomiting or significant diarrhea, and you should visit a pediatrician if symptoms persist or get worse.
• Severe Colds: Colds are highly contagious and can lead to more serious illnesses if they aren't properly diagnosed and treated. Minor sniffles may not be enough to keep your child away from school or infant care, but when combined with fevers, unusual mucus discharge, rashes, or lethargy, a cold may actually be a sign of a far more serious infection. Pay close attention to your child’s symptoms, and visit a doctor if you see signs of serious illness.

Many daycare and infant care programs, as well as before- & after-school care, will send a child home if he or she shows signs of a serious illness, such as running a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. It’s better to keep your child at home if symptoms like these are present to ensure that your child recovers quickly and doesn’t risk spreading the illness to other children.

If you need a licensed daycare, infant care center, or tutoring for your older child, call Northern Lights Preschool & Child Care at (888) 688-8794. You can also learn more about the Anchorage learning center by visiting their website today.