Kids home from school sick...could it be an opportunity?

[javanurse2000]

I have thought for years about starting a daycare program for children who are home sick from school....has anyone ever heard of this? I have thought about contacting the BON to find out what would be required and maybe pitching my idea to local daycares ( they are required not to accept children who have a temp over 100 or diarrhea etc) to "partner" with them...at least to some extent. I know its a risk of have a low census some days but once this takes off I think the bigger problem would be getting enough staffing (maybe solved by turning to agency on those days)...so what do you all think?

[babynurselsa, RN]

I am also investigating the possiblity for my area. There are a few bearly sick child centers across the country.

You need to check with your states childcare licensing division. I found that my state does have accomadations written into the regs.

We are looking at a facility outside the home though the regs are not very compatible with an in home set up.

Though I agree that it would be nice if we could stay home with our kids when they are not well, the REALITY is that few employers (especially in healthcare) are very sympathetic to needing to miss work. They don't really care if your baby is running a temp they want you at work.

At least with this sort of set up a parent would have some reassurance that a trained health care provider is looking out for their child.

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

I think that you might have something good going on. The thing is does all the liability and accomodations worth it.

Good luck to you.

[KacyLynnRN]

Something else that no one has mentioned...is the fact that, even if you have the best of immune systems, being around sick kids is a sure way to get sick yourself. I worked at a daycare center through nursing school, took vitamins everyday, exercised and ate well, and still was constantly sick. Kids just carry around germs that most adults aren't used to running into. If you have never worked in a daycare type environment, this is defiinitely something important for you to know and consider. Good luck to you!

[2spr0ut02]

I work in a daycare for kids whose parents are affilated with the university and/or hospital. When they are sick some of them do go to a center called Hugs and Kisses for sick children. The rooms are seperated by the illness so they arent all together. Many of the parents love that bc they dont have anyone readily available to watch their kids. I think its great because I know its difficult to continue taking off work when both parents work at the hospital. Good luck.

[babynurselsa, RN]

I have worker ER for so long and been exposed to soooo much stuff I think I have a cast iron immune system at this point.

The info I have gathered is along the lines of segregating by complaint. URI type stuff in one room, GI types stuff in another room, etc.

Along with good handwashing and other measures by staff transmission should be minimalized.

The point is few people have ready accomadations when their children are ill. Ideally yes we would all like to be able to stay home with the kids. Unfortunatlely as I previously mentioned there is no sympathy from employers, they really don't care if your kids are sick, they just want you at work.

This would be intended for mildy ill and convalescing kids, If they are completely miserable then they need to be home with a parent. It at least gives an option to parents without grandparents etc nearby.

[DidiRN]

I used to work at a place where you could actually call an agency to have someone come into your home to take care of your sick child so you could go to work, however, it was discontinued due to lack of interest. Everyone wanted to be there at home when their child is ill. Sounded like a great idea though.

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

I'm not sure if it would work or not. Why not? Well, I'm not sure 1 mother would want to take their sick child to a house where they KNOW other sick children are. So one has a strept throat, one has pink eye....then they get both?

One would hope the OP knows the best way to prevent spread of infection.....

All together now: Handwashing!

[SmilingBluEyes]

I knew a daycare provider who did just this----provided "sick" daycare in her home for kids.

It's a way to make good money, but you pay for it in the end, dealing with sick kids, and yes, there is always liability attached to such things. After doing this about 3 years, she decided it was just not worth it. Being an RN, your liability would always be a worry, I think. It would not be for me.

Call me a jerk, anything---but I truly believe sick kids belong at HOME.