Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

So yesterday morning my sore throat and white spots were still present and I suspected I may have strep. I contacted my director at the daycare I work at to see if I should come in or stay home. I couldn't call my dr til 9 anyway. So my director said to come in at 8 as scheduled then can make my appt at 9 when they have more staff.

So I made my appointment for 3. Worked a few more hours before that. Dr confirmed I do have strep, prescribed amoxicillin and put it in writing I should not go to work today due to being contagious for 24 hrs once I start the prescription.

I went back to my director to show her the note. She then tells me I won't get anyone sick unless I cough directly on them. She suggested I come in at 2:30.... One hour shy of 24 hrs. Um, is she kidding? It's from when I start the meds not from my appt time!

Then this morning she text me saying how much she could really use me if I am feeling well enough (which I am). She also said she can't say if we should or shouldn't go to work and neither can a dr note. It all comes down to if we are feeling well enough. Wow.

So I'm on my lunch break now. Need some advice on how to handle this. Obviously the director doesn't care about the well being of others. She knows I am pregnant not that its affecting me but still. I know I would be upset if I found out my child's teacher was asked to come into work with something contagious and having a dr note stating so.

I don't want to cause problems by contacting someone higher unless it seems necessary to. My director even said how I have great attendance. But it's ok for everyone else to call out without dr notes on a regular basis.

So should I say something to someone or just let it go?

Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

I would flip out if I found out my child's teacher was told to come to work with strep throat. If I were you, I would speak directly to your boss. Tell her you refuse to put other people's children's health at risk by coming to work when you are contagious. How could she think she knows more about spreading disease than a doctor? If you have a conversation with her and she still comes out of it as thickheaded as she has been, I would go right over her head and complain.

Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

I would say something!! I wouldn't want my lo to be with someone with strep all day!

Re: Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

Definitely say something!

When I worked in daycare I had a a really bad infection in my cornea stemming from pink eye that never presented (and thus was never treated). I went home the day it started to hurt went straight to the doctor. I called the director later that day to tell her I wouldn't be at work the next day- doctor's orders as I was contagious. She said I was responsible enough to know to wash my hands frequently and not touch my eyes so I should be able to come to work.

I guess the 2 year olds who climbed all over me every day and constantly had their hands in my face should know better too.

That was one of the last straws before I quit.

Good Luck!

Message edited 3/12/2013 4:57:43 PM.

Re: Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

I'd be fuming and no way would I have gone in today! I know you said you felt good, BUT, that 24 hour rule should be strictly enforced!
My DD goes to school (not daycare) and has been home for about a week now. Ear infection and fever off and on.
Today, allergic reaction to her meds.
She still hasn't been back and she's not going back until she's better.
I would think a director of a center would want their staff to do the same (follow the 24 hour rule).
I'd go to a higher up! That's just not right and if I were a parent in your center, I'd be POd (and I am a daycare worker. Have been since 1996).

Re: Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

Holy crap - I would be LIVID if I knew that the director of dd's daycare told a teacher to come in with strep throat!!! That is such poor judgment on her part and I cannot believe she even suggested you come in when you even suspected you have it. Strep is HIGHLY contagious and I wouldn't be surprised if some of the children catch it from you. Ugh - totally say something. She is wrong.

Re: Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

You should defintely speak to her. It is not fair to do that. If she was worried about being short staffed, that is when she steps into a classroom, and takes over your spot. That is what I used to do.

Re: Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

I'm confused, why did you go in today?

Re: Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

Re: Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

Re: Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

Re: Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

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Message edited 3/14/2013 12:31:19 AM.

Re: Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

I can't believe your director had you come in. That is so irresponsible on her part! I'm not sure who you should talk to, but as a parent of a child that goes to daycare I would be so upset if my kid's teacher showed up the next day with strep after the doctor said stay home. And if I found out I would have marched right up to the director and yelled at her! Can your parents find out somehow?

Re: Need advice. I'm a daycare teacher with strep throat (and pg)

I think it was extremely irresponsible for the director to tell you to come in. You had a doctor note, end of story. You really should have put your foot down. Strep is a contagious illness and parents should be alerted that their children have been exposed to it, so they can watch for any symptoms. Most daycare centers I work with and the one I have my children in post notices and send notices home when children have been exposed to a contagous disease. If this is how this director works, the higher ups should be contacted. So irresponsible!