Billy Lids Kindy

Children come into contact with many other children and adults in the early childhood environment increasing their exposure to others who may be sick or carrying an infectious illnesses. We acknowledge the difficulty of keeping children at home or away from childcare when they are sick and the pressures this causes for parents, however Billy Lids Kindy aims to minimise the transmission of infectious diseases by adhering to regulations and policies protecting the health of all children, staff, families and visitors.

Knowing when to keep your child at home

We understand that it can be difficult for families to know when their child is sick. Families may experience problems taking time off work or study to care for their child at home. Obtaining leave from work or study can contribute to negative attitudes in the workplace which can cause stress on families. Families may also experience guilt when they send their child to care who is not well.

However, it is imperative that families maintain a focus not only on the well-being of their own child but also upon the well-being of other children and the early childhood professionals at Billy Lids Kindy. To protect the health of children and staff within Billy Lids Kindy, it is important that children and staff who are ill are kept away from Billy Lids Kindy for the recommended period.

Management will not accept a child into care if they:

• have a contagious illness or infectious disease
• have been in close contact with someone who has a positive confirmed case of COVID-19
• have a temperature above 38°C when assessed prior to entry to the service
• are unwell and unable to participate in normal activities or require additional attention
• have had a temperature, diarrhoea, vomiting in the last 24 hours- as reported by a parent
• have started a course of anti-biotics in the last 24 hours
• have been given medication for a temperature prior to arriving at the Service (for example: Panadol)

Common colds and flu

The common cold or flu (viral upper respiratory tract infections) are very common in children occurring 6-10 times a year on average with the highest number usually being during the first 2 years in childcare, kindergarten or school. Symptoms may include coughing, runny nose and a slight temperature.

In circumstances where a child appears to have cold or flu symptoms, management will determine if the child is well enough to continue at Billy Lids Kindy or if the child requires parental care.

Billy Lids Kindy aims to support the family’s need for childcare however, families should understand that a child who is unwell will need one-on-one attention which places additional pressure on staff ratios and the needs of other children.

Children who are generally healthy, will recover from a common cold in a few days. Keeping a child home and away from childcare, helps to prevent the spread of germs.

Minimising the spread of illness

To help minimise the spread of illness and infectious diseases Billy Lids Kindy implements rigorous hygiene and infection control procedures and cleaning routines including:

• effective hand washing hygiene
• cough and sneeze etiquette
• appropriate use of gloves
• exclusion of children, educators or staff when they are unwell or displaying symptoms of an infectious disease or virus
• effective cleaning of the environment, toys and resources (including bedding)
• requesting parents and visitors to wash their hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer upon arrival and departure at Billy Lids Kindy

If you are unsure or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the centre.