Sick days are one of the hardest parts of daycare for many parents. Young children catch colds and stomach bugs often, especially in their first year of group care. Before you enroll, ask for the center's written illness policy, plan your backup care, and learn how staff will reach you when your child is unwell.
Why Illness Policies Matter
Every daycare sets rules for when a child must stay home. These rules protect the other children, the staff, and your own family. A clear policy tells you what symptoms mean a child goes home, how long a child should rest, and what to do before returning. Without a written policy, it is easy to feel unsure in the moment. Ask for the policy in writing so you have something to refer to.
Ask for the Policy in Writing
Set aside time to read the policy with the staff before you enroll. Take notes as you go. Bring your questions, and do not be shy about asking them. A good center will answer clearly and will be happy to walk you through the details.
- Which symptoms mean my child will be sent home?
- How long must my child stay home after an illness?
- Do I need a doctor's note before my child returns?
- Who makes the decision when a child is sent home?
- How quickly will I be called if my child becomes unwell during the day?
Pay attention to how the answers sound. Clear, calm answers are a good sign. Vague answers may mean you need to ask more questions before you commit.
Plan Backup Care Before You Need It
Sick days often come with little warning. A child may wake up with a cough, a runny nose, or a fever, and you may need to change your plans in an hour. Planning backup care now makes those mornings much easier. Think about family members, trusted friends, or neighbors who could help. Check whether your employer has sick-child leave or flexible hours. Write down the phone numbers you would call first.
Talk with your partner or other caregivers about the plan too. When everyone knows who is on call, the morning is less stressful for your child and for you.
Talk With Your Pediatrician
Your child's pediatrician is an important partner for sick days. Ask the doctor which symptoms need a visit, and which can be watched at home. Ask how long your child should stay home for common illnesses. Bring a copy of the daycare's illness policy to your next appointment, so your doctor can give advice that fits how the center works.
This article shares general information about daycare planning. It is not medical advice. Your child's doctor knows your child best and should guide decisions about care and treatment.
Ask How the Center Communicates
When your child is sick, you need to know quickly. Ask how the center will reach you. Some centers call, some send a text, and some share a note at pickup. Ask who answers the phone during the day, and what happens if you do not pick up right away. Find out how the staff will care for your child until you arrive.
Our center uses a closed-circuit intercom between classrooms, so staff can reach each other fast when a child needs help. Ask any center you visit how its staff communicate across rooms and with parents during the day.
Ask About Cleaning and Hand Washing
Many sick days come from germs that spread through shared toys, tables, and hands. Ask how the center handles hand washing, cleaning toys, and wiping down surfaces. Ask how sick children are kept apart from the group when needed. Clean routines help lower the number of sick days for the whole class, not just for your child.
Ask about meals and snacks too. Some centers coordinate their food plans with state health guidance, and you should be able to ask how that works. Share any food needs or allergies in writing before your child starts.
Support Your Child When They Feel Unwell
A sick child may feel scared, tired, or clingy. Ask how staff comfort children who are not feeling well. Sign language can help little ones share what they need. Our infant and toddler classrooms use sign language, which can make it easier for babies and toddlers to communicate their needs.
Keep your own notes at home. Write down when symptoms started, what your child ate, and how they slept. These details help when you talk with staff and your pediatrician.
Local Daycare in Port St. Lucie and St. Lucie County
My First Place Academy is a bilingual English-Spanish daycare and preschool in Port St. Lucie. We welcome families from White City, Fort Pierce, St. Lucie West, Tradition, and nearby communities. Our classrooms run from infant care through VPK, and we also offer before and after school care and summer camp. We are open Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 6:00pm. Our owners, Veronica and Aracelly Forero, are involved in the center day to day.
You can learn more about how we answer common questions on our frequently asked questions page. To read about how we keep children safe and healthy, visit our health and safety page.
Have questions about how we handle sick days? Call My First Place Academy at (772) 446-4011 to schedule a visit. Tour our classrooms, ask for our written policy, and bring any questions you have. We are glad to meet you and your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child stay home from daycare?
Each center has its own illness policy. Ask for it in writing and go over the symptoms that mean a child goes home. Your pediatrician can also advise you on when to keep your child home.
Do I need a doctor's note for my child to return to daycare?
Some centers ask for a doctor's note and some do not. Ask the center directly, and get the answer in writing with the rest of the illness policy.
What should I do if my child gets sick during the day?
Ask how the center will contact you and how quickly. Keep your phone nearby and make sure your backup care plan is ready before your first day.
How can I plan for sick days before they happen?
Make a list of backup caregivers, check your work options, and save important phone numbers. A simple plan makes sick mornings much easier for the whole family.
Call (772) 446-4011 to schedule a visit
Call My First Place Academy or schedule a tour and see the classrooms in use.