By Pamela Filler
A common controversy which every provider and parent face at one time or another is deciding and agreeing with one another on whether or not a child should go to daycare or remain home due to sickness.
Montana daycare regulations state "if a child becomes ill or is suspected of having a communicable disease reportable to the health department while in care, the parent shall be notified by the provider. The parent is responsible for arranging to have the child taken home." Most providers develop a daycare contract which include their policy regarding "sick children." Contracts are to be introduced to and signed by the parent upon enrollment; therefore, parents should have knowledge of what is expected in cases as these and agree to follow all rules defined in the contract.
If a provider notifies the parent, requesting that the child be removed from daycare due to sickness, it is the parent's responsibility to make necessary arrangements for the child to be picked up. Failure to comply with such a request in a reasonable time period can result in the provider turning the matter over to the Department of Child and Family Services as this is considered to be a child neglect issue.
Due to the possibility of a situation as this or worse, an accident causing injury to your child, it is important that parents communicate daily with the provider on where the parent can be reached throughout the day. If a parent cannot be reached or leave work, the provider should be given the name and number of another contact person to be listed on the emergency contact form which is to be kept in all children's files.
ATTENTION REGISTERED PROVIDERS: You are encouraged to attend the Childcare Association meeting on February 1, at 7 p.m. at HRDC's conference room. I will be present at this meeting to answer any questions and/or address concerns. The Childcare Association meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at HRDC. All registered providers are invited to join at any time.
Helping you make smart and healthy childcare choices...
Pamela Filler is the child care licensor for Hill, Blaine, Phillips, Valley, Roosevelt, Daniels and Sheridan counties.
