Daycare - am I expecting too much??

[scoobybob]

My little man, who will be 2 next month, has been attending daycare for 1 day a week since February. He seems to really enjoy it & has settled in well. The thing is, about once a month since he has started they have phoned either me or his dad to collect him as he has been unwell. This in principle is great - but sometimes we feel that they are panicking a bit & phoning us unecessarily.
For example, twice they have told us he had chickenpox when he didn't (viral rash both times). I had him checked by the doctor who said he was OK to attend daycare again. I took him back the next week, explained what it was and that he had a couple of spots left (I even showed them where they were). 2 hours later they phoned for him to be collected because he had a lot more spots (which had faded by the time I got there).
Last week it was nappyrash! They phoned after 6 hours saying his bottom was sore & he wouldn't stop screaming! His dad arrived 10 mins later by which time he was calm. Checked his bum later & although red it wasn't what I would call really bad, & had cleared up by the next day.

So sorry to waffle - but do you think their actions are correct? Is it me??
I would appreciate any thoughts, especially if you have had experience looking after children.

Thank you

[tigwig]

Hi I am a nursery nurse and work in a baby room and by what you have said the nursery is been a bit too keen on implementing it's sickness policy. Every nursery has to have one of these as it is in the best interests of both staff and other children which I am sure you understand. In my experience we have sent children home with rashes lots of times because when spots are noticed you never know what it is and whether it is contagious but as soon as we have verification from a doctor then the child is fine to come back. Sickness and diarrohea cases have to be off for 48hrs after last episode to stop it spreading. The case of nappy rash seems downright petty and is not something we would phone a parent for unless it was to let them know their child could need a doctors appointment we would not send them home for this. If I were you I would ask for a meeting with the manager and state your case, you must have signed a policies and procedures when starting the nursery, ask to see their sickness policy. the manager has a duty to provide you with care unless your child has a contagious illness

[scoobybob]

Thanks Tigwig, your reply is really helpful & shows me a way forward.

It's just got to the stage where we expect them to phone! & the doctor probably thinks I'm a bit mad as I have had to keep having him checked out....

He's also going through a bit of a 'nervous' stage around other kids so I was wondering if his crying was more down to that - & I expect that results in him needing more attention - although I hope they wouldn't send him home because of that.

Thanks again, I'll call tomorrow to arrange meeting.

If anyone else wants to input it would be gratefully received!

[aims1202]

I think some Nurseries are a bit over the top when it comes to illness. Being sent home for nappy rash is! But it could be that your son has been crying a lot and he needs more one to one attention than they are able to give him. They maybe calling you all the time because they feel its the right thing to do. I'm not saying this is the case for your son but some young children suit being cared for by a childminder better than being in a Nursery.

[scoobybob]

Thank you Aims, that is a good point.

He is looked after by his grandmother one day a week, so we thought a nursery would be beneficial for his social skills with other children.

His daily records indicate he is happy there, but I will double check this with them.

Thanks again.

[aims1202]

I forgot to say as well, that sometimes going to nursery for just one day a week is difficult for some children as they forget about it and have to get used to it again each week. I'm not saying its better for them to go more though, just might be a reason if they are crying a lot.
I have worked in different types of nurseries and found that some have too many children/babies in one room and not really enough staff, or not very good staff! I just think its worth considering other options. Good luck

[aims1202]

sorry still haven't finished! If his grandma looks after him and you want him to play with other children, are there any toddler groups near to where she lives? I used to take my son to three different ones every week from when he was a baby until he started school this sept. They can also usually start a play/preschool when they are nearly 3yrs.