General daycare question

For those of you ladies whose DC are in daycare, how often are there signs up saying "outbreak" followed by some sort of virus? We've had DD in daycare for a few months now and while I love the staff, she always comes back sick. And there seem to be numerous times when they've posted some kind of illness in one of the age groups. I'd say at least once a month, probably more. Is this normal? Should I start looking for another one or will I just get the same thing anywhere?

Re: General daycare question

It's the same for us. We're on our second day care for Andrew and they both had the same amount of illnesses and notices going home. The latest have been for chicken pox and lice!

Re: General daycare question

We have never had that.

Connor does get sick bit that goes with daycare or school.

We have not seen any outbreaks.

Re: General daycare question

You will most likely get the same thing everywhere, it is just daycare settings in general. It sux but what can we do, kids put everything in their mouths so no matter how well they wash things down at night, they are still sharing toys during the day.

It's good that they post illnesses so at least you are informed and can look for certain symptoms.

I now count how long DS is WELL instead of sick. We had a nice long 3-week stretch going for awhile, but of course that is over and he is sick yet again...

I hear it's more common in the winter though so hopefully we'll all see less of this!

Message edited 4/4/2007 10:06:08 AM.

Re: General daycare question

Kids will always transfer their illnesses to anyone within shouting distance. I don't take it as all negative (except maybe when I have what DS gave me... ). All these illnesses now will make their immune system stronger later in life, so they will wind up being healthier by being sick. DS is in pre-school twice a week, karate once a week, library activities, and a "cooking" class at the local rec center. He is ALWAYS sick this winter.... which means DD, DW and I are as well.....

Re: General daycare question

Yes unfortunately it is very common in most daycare settings...they are just breeding grounds for germs! My ped told me to expect my DD to be sick throughout the winter months for at least the first 2 yrs. My DD is 13 mos now and has had 4 ear infections, multiple colds and one bout with bronchitis all since November. I also like my daycare and I know the staff does a good job with the curriculum, and they are constantly spraying lysol, wiping toys down, use gloves to change the babies, but they still get sick. Right now, there is a posting about chicken pox in the school (3 cases) in the 3 yr old's room.

So although my DD isnt in that room, she could potentially be exposed to it, thus the note home. I think it is a good thing they inform the parents of this and we can take precautions not to send our children in if we choose.

ETA: I posted about this topic recently because I too was concerned, but it seems to be the norm! Just think by Kindergarten, our kids will have super immunity! Also - my 2 nephews are not in daycare, and they get sick too...albeit not quite as often.

Message edited 4/4/2007 10:32:43 AM.

Re: General daycare question

I had my kids in 3 different daycares.

2 of the daycares were franchises.They always had notices up.

The other daycare was a non-profit. They put notices up once in a blue moon.

I'd rather have the notices & be aware to look for symptoms. It was annoying to go into daycare & say "Is something going around? Maddie's been very cranky." Only to get "Oh, a few kids in another class had cox sackie" A sign was posted inside that classrooms bulletin board but we don't go in that classroom.


Your child is definitely going to be sicker if he/she is in daycare but I agree with GoldenRod. It will make them healthier in the long run as they build up immunities.

Message edited 8/13/2007 3:23:35 PM.

Re: General daycare question

DS was in daycare for 4 days and came home with bronciolitis. I kept him home for a week and received a phone call asking if he had Rotavirus because there were a few outbreaks. After that I took him out. I never saw anybody in the school w/ rubber gloves, lysol or ever wipping anything down. Lucky me my girlfriend now watches him. I will give daycare another try when he is older.

Re: General daycare question

Thank you for responses. I just was getting nervous. I am off this week and was supposed to send her today so I can get some work done but decided not to after I saw yet another notice.

I know it happens, but since it's my first and only experience with day care just wanted to make sure it was the norm. Thanks!