Keeping sick children home is important for both the health and safety of the community and the comfort of the child. In fact, most child care facilities have sick day policies, and ask that parents keep children home if they exhibit symptoms of illness. 

These symptoms may include:

• Vomiting
• Rash
• Diarrhea
• Eye infection
• Bad cough or sore throat
• Fever

The California Childcare Health Program also advises that parents keep children home if they’re not feeling well in general.

Luckily, California families are entitled to family sick leave. According to the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, employees (including part time and temporary employees) must earn at least one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. Employees can take this time to care for themselves or for a family member.

Sick Care Day Care

It is important to have a plan for the times when your child is too sick to attend child care. Family child care homes may provide a little more flexibility than child care centers, but there will be days when your child is not feeling well enough to go. Prepare ahead of time, have a list of options, such as trusted family or friends. Contact your local Resource & Referral for more tips.

A few California hospitals also offer sick care facilities. These facilities are for children who are not quite well enough to go to school or daycare. It’s a good idea to find out if there is a sick care facility in a hospital near you so you know exactly what to do in the event that your child wakes up with a sudden illness.

Sources:

https://cchp.ucsf.edu/sites/g/files/tkssra181/f/excl_en0909.pdf

https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/ab1522.html

https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-01-27-me-1855-story.html

https://www.torrancememorial.org/Medical_Services/Pediatric_Young_Adult_Pavilion.aspx