Sickness & When to Keep Your Child Home

At Fern Flower – Nature School, the health and safety of all children and staff are our top priority. We know it can sometimes be tricky to decide whether your child should stay home or come to daycare. This page is designed to help you make that decision confidently, so we can all keep our community healthy.

General Guidelines: When to Keep Your Child Home

Please keep your child home if they are experiencing any of the following:

Fever: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Vomiting or diarrhea: Until 24 hours after the last episode
Severe cold symptoms: Persistent coughing, runny nose with colored discharge, or difficulty breathing
Unusual fatigue or irritability: If your child seems too unwell to participate in activities
Rashes or skin infections: Any unexplained rash, especially with fever, should be assessed by a healthcare provider
Contagious illnesses: Such as chickenpox, strep throat, or flu – follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on return

If your child develops symptoms while at daycare, we will contact you immediately. Children who are unwell will be cared for in a quiet, comfortable space until they can go home.

Hand using stethoscope on a teddy bear's back

How Long to Keep Your Child Home

The length of time a child should stay home depends on the illness:

Fever: Until at least 24 hours fever-free without medication
Vomiting/Diarrhea: 24 hours after the last episode
Contagious illness: Follow public health guidance and the daycare’s specific requirements
Other symptoms: Until your child is well enough to participate fully in daily activities

Important: Even if a doctor provides a note saying your child may attend, the daycare provider has the authority to override this. Daycare programs follow specific licensing and safety guidelines that may differ from a doctor’s office. If our staff determines your child should stay home, they cannot attend, regardless of a doctor’s note. This ensures the safety of all children and staff.