Daycare Illness Policy Guide 2026: When to Keep Kids Home
Complete guide to daycare illness policies in 2026. Exclusion guidelines, when to keep children home, return-to-care requirements, and managing sick days.
Understanding daycare illness policies helps parents plan for sick days and protects all children. Most programs follow CDC and AAP guidelines for when children must stay home.
Table of Contents
- Standard Exclusion Guidelines
- Specific Illness Policies
- Return to Care Requirements
- Managing Sick Days
Standard Exclusion Guidelines
When to Keep Home
| Symptom | Exclusion Required | |---------|-------------------| | Fever 100.4°F+ | Yes, until fever-free 24 hours | | Vomiting | Yes, until 24 hours symptom-free | | Diarrhea | Yes, until 24 hours symptom-free | | Uncontrolled coughing | Yes, until controlled | | Unexplained rash | Yes, until diagnosed | | Pink eye with discharge | Yes, until treated 24 hours | | Runny nose (clear) | Usually no | | Mild cough (no fever) | Usually no |
Why Policies Exist
Exclusion policies:
- Protect other children
- Protect staff
- Help sick child recover
- Meet licensing requirements
- Follow public health guidelines
Specific Illness Policies
Common Childhood Illnesses
| Illness | Typical Exclusion | |---------|-------------------| | Strep throat | 24 hours on antibiotics | | Flu | Fever-free 24 hours | | Hand, foot, mouth | Until fever-free, blisters crusted | | RSV | Until fever-free, symptoms improving | | COVID-19 | Follow current CDC guidelines | | Lice | Until treated | | Chickenpox | Until all spots crusted |
Documentation Needed
May be required:
- Doctor's note for return
- Negative test result
- Prescription start date
- Clearance letter for contagious illness
Return to Care Requirements
Standard Requirements
| Condition | Requirement | |-----------|-------------| | Fever | 24 hours fever-free (no medication) | | Vomiting/diarrhea | 24-48 hours symptom-free | | Antibiotics | 24 hours on medication | | Contagious illness | Doctor's clearance |
What "Fever-Free" Means
Important to know:
- Without fever-reducing medication
- Full 24 hours (not just overnight)
- Temperature below 100.4°F
- Measured appropriately
Managing Sick Days
Planning Ahead
| Strategy | Details | |----------|---------| | Know policy | Get copy at enrollment | | Backup care | Have alternatives ready | | Work flexibility | Discuss with employer | | Sick day budget | Plan 10-15 days/year for young children |
When Called to Pick Up
Typical timeline:
- Immediate pickup for fever, vomiting
- Within 1 hour for most symptoms
- Clear communication about requirements
- Plan for next-day return or not
Questions to Ask
Before Enrollment
- What are your illness exclusion policies?
- When will you call me to pick up?
- What documentation do you need for return?
- How do you notify about illness outbreaks?
- What is your policy on medication administration?
Resources
Last updated: December 2025