Putting your kid into day care or another childcare setting can be a nerve-racking experience. It requires trust and open communication. It can also mean exposing you and your child to a petri dish of germs. And sick days can add up in terms of finding alternative care options. The truth of the matter is that kids are going to get sick. However, there are steps you can take to make sure the childcare facility is taking proper precautions, and then there are things you can do to help keep those germs from making their way home to spread to the rest of your family.

Childcare Facility Considerations

First, make sure this childcare provider is licensed or accredited by a third party. Then, consider asking hygiene-related questions to see what thought has gone into illness prevention. Here are some ideas:

• What are your cleaning and disinfecting protocols? What surfaces and items are included?
• What precautions or training programs are in place to make sure things are cleaned/disinfected safely and effectively?
• How often do children (who are old enough) and staff wash their hands?
• What is your sick policy for children and staff?
• Are there other procedures in place to help keep children and staff healthy?

Home Precautionary Steps

What you have more control over is the steps you take to help keep germs from following you home:

• Wash your hands as well as your child’s hands as soon as you get home.
• Encourage good hand hygiene habits generally, like washing for a full 20 seconds before eating and after using the bathroom.
• Designate a space to leave shoes and bags by the door to limit tracking germs through your home.
• Keep your child home if there are signs of illness and follow enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols in your home when someone is sick.