A routine part of your children’s early childhood will be illness, and in preschool and child care services, sickness can spread quickly. Knowing whether or not they are up for school is key to preventing an outbreak. Below is a simple guide for determining whether they are well enough to attend.

When the Symptoms First Present

If your child wakes up and isn’t feeling well, first check their temperature. If it’s over 100.5°F, they need to stay home and see an early childhood physician. You also shouldn’t send your child in if they are actively vomiting, having diarrhea, or experiencing severe fits of coughing, sneezing, or fatigue, which would prevent them from focusing.

When They’re Starting to Get Over It

However, once the worst of the sickness is passed, you may wonder whether a few extra days at home will do them some good. And if their illness was severe, they may need some extra time to regain energy or catch up on their nutritional needs. In general, however, if your child is fever-free, seems more like themselves, isn’t fatigued, can keep down food and liquids, and hasn’t had stomach troubles, they’re ready to go back to school.

When In Doubt

If you’re ever unsure, err on the side of caution. In close environments like schools, one sick child can infect a large number of students and teachers. The flu, for instance, can require days to recover from. Most schools also ask that students be on antibiotics for 24 hours before returning if they’ve been diagnosed with strep throat since early childhood immune systems are more delicate. Check in with your child’s teachers for guidelines and attendance policies. You should also contact your child’s doctor’s office to see if they recommend a follow-up appointment.

For quality child care services, reach out to World of Knowledge Child Development Center in Lincoln, NE.  Whether you are interested in their preschool or summer camp programs, know your child will receive a balanced curriculum that includes sign language, math, and art. Learn more about their current early childhood enrollment opportunities online or call (402) 483-4769 with questions.