Surviving the First Year of Daycare: Tips for Dealing with Common Illnesses

Be Prepared in Advance:

• Make sure your child’s daycare records are up to date in case of a medical emergency.
• Discuss worries and concerns with the daycare provider in advance.
• Book an appointment with your family doctor before your child starts attending daycare.

Stay on Top of Vaccination Records:

• Check that the daycare provider has received all the necessary immunization records and that the child is up to date with the required vaccinations.
• Make sure that your child’s vaccinations are up to date as soon as possible in order to prevent any illnesses.

Communicate with the Daycare Provider:

• Check in with the daycare provider regularly to make sure your child is in good health.
• Find out what the policies are for cleaning and disinfecting the facility in case of illness.
• Ask if you can visit your child’s classroom if you notice any symptoms of illness.

Be Proactive About Illness Prevention:

• Educate yourself about signs and symptoms of common illnesses, so you can recognize them early.
• Encourage your child to practice good hygiene, including regular hand-washing.
• Encourage the daycare provider to create a plan of action if a child in the classroom becomes ill.

Conclusion:

The first year of daycare can be a difficult experience for both parents and children. Being proactive about illness prevention and staying in communication with the daycare provider can help reduce the risk of common illnesses. If your child does become ill, following up with the daycare provider and your family doctor will help ensure a speedy recovery.