A fact of life for all parents is that children are prone to illness as their immune systems develop. When it comes to health decisions, it is important to consider both your child's welfare as well as the welfare of others attending the same daycare in Boston. Settings where youngsters congregate, as is the case in any Boston daycare or preschool program, can be overly draining for children not well enough to attend, and expose others if your child is contagious.

Determining if your child is well enough for their Boston daycare program

It is inevitable for youngsters to have an occasional runny nose, cough or feel a bit under the weather from time to time. Typically, a good night's rest or an over the counter remedy is all they need before heading in to their Boston family daycare program. Sometimes the decision is not so clear cut, however.

The decision whether your child's symptoms are mild enough that they may return to their Boston family daycare center or pronounced enough to warrant staying home or even a trip to the doctor's office should consider the following :

• Refer to your school's guidelines - An established policy on health and school attendance is standard practice for facilities providing day care in Boston. Look over health guidelines in your Parent's Handbook or contact the school administration for more information.
• Excessive lethargy - Lack of energy is a common symptom for fighting off an illness, but if your child exhibits more than a lack of energy - if they are overly rundown and cranky, a day of bed rest will be more beneficial than their usual Boston day care routine
• Fevers above 100 degrees - Fevers are also common in young children. Children that are only mildly-unwell can show a fever on minute and be completely fine the next. When your child's temperature exceeds 100 degrees, however, it could be symptom of a more serious condition. In these cases, most Boston daycare providers recommend a day at home, if not a consultation with your child's doctor.
• Rash accompanied by a fever - The combination of a rash accompanied by a fever is often a sign of illness requiring medical intervention and as well as the risk of a contagious condition. If you child has a rash in one location or all over and is running a temperature, the majority of Boston family daycare centers recommend consulting a physician before returning your child to school
• Vomiting or severe diarrhea - Vomiting or severe diarrhea can occur as a result of a contagious illness and typically leave a child feeling weakened and too tired to participate in their normal routine. It is generally believed by physicians and Boston daycare providers that children should return to school after these symptoms stop.

If you are still uncertain whether your child should see a doctor, stay home or return to their day care in Boston, don't hesitate to consult with your pediatrician or your child's teacher.