When Is Your Child Too Sick for Childcare?

When your child wakes up with a cough, runny nose or upset stomach, it can be hard to decide whether they should attend childcare. You need to go to work, but you also want to make sure your child gets the care they need. 

 

So, when is your child too sick for childcare?

 

The answer depends on their symptoms, how they feel and whether they could spread an infection to other children and educators. A mild runny nose does not always mean your child must stay home. However, a fever with other symptoms, vomiting, diarrhoea or signs of a more serious illness may mean they need rest and care at home. 

This guide explains when to keep your child home from childcare and how long they may need to stay away and what to check before they return. It also covers warning signs that mean you should seek medical help.

 

When Should You Keep Your Child Home from Childcare?

Keep your child home when they are too unwell to join in with their usual activities, need more care than educators can reasonably provide, or have an illness that requires them to stay away from childcare.

Before leaving home, consider three things:

For example, a child with a mild runny nose who is otherwise happy and active may be well enough to attend, depending on the centre’s illness policy. A child who has been vomiting or has diarrhoea should stay home and follow the relevant exclusion guidance. You should also consider whether your child needs extra attention throughout the day. If they need constant comfort, are struggling to drink or cannot settle, childcare may not be the best place for them while they recover.

The aim is not to keep children away for every minor symptom. It is to help them recover while reducing the risk of infection spreading. The Australian Government’s Staying Healthy guidelines explain how early childhood education and care services can manage infections and reduce their spread.

 

Common Symptoms: When Is Your Child Too Sick for Childcare?

Different symptoms need different responses. Here is what parents should look for before deciding whether their child should attend.

1. Fever

A fever is generally a body temperature of 38°C or higher. It can occur with common infections, including colds and influenza.

If your child has a fever and feels unwell, keep them home. They may need rest, fluids and monitoring. Other signs of fever or illness can include:

Use a thermometer if you think your child has a fever. Feeling their forehead alone may not give you an accurate reading. Do not give fever medicine simply to make your child well enough to attend childcare. Although medicine may reduce discomfort, it does not mean the illness has passed.

Check your centre’s policy before your child returns. If the fever continues, your child becomes more unwell, or you are concerned, seek medical advice. It is necessary; if a baby younger than three months has a temperature of 38°C or higher, take them to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

Read Healthdirect’s guide to fever in children for further advice.

2. Coughs and Colds

Coughs, sneezing and runny noses are common among young children. These symptoms do not always mean a child must stay home. Consider how your child feels and whether they have other symptoms. A mild runny nose may be manageable if your child is active, drinking normally and able to join in with activities. Keep your home if they have a cough or cold along with

For example, a toddler with a mild runny nose who is happily playing may be comfortable enough to attend. A child who is coughing frequently, struggling to rest or becoming increasingly tired, may need a day at home. Breathing difficulties require urgent medical attention. You can read more about coughs and colds in children on HealthDirect.

3. Vomiting

If your child vomits, keep them home while you monitor their symptoms and help them recover. Vomiting can occur with gastroenteritis, food-related illnesses and other conditions. It can also cause dehydration, particularly in babies and toddlers. Watch for signs such as:

Offer small, frequent amounts of fluid if your child can drink safely, if vomiting continues, your child cannot keep fluids down, or you notice signs of dehydration, seek medical advice. Do not send your child back as soon as they stop vomiting. The cause of the illness matters when deciding how long they need to stay home.

For gastroenteritis, NSW health advises that children should not attend childcare or school until 48 hours of vomiting and diarrhoea have stopped. Other conditions may have different requirements. Check the relevant exclusion guidance and contact your childcare centre if you are unsure when your child can return.

4. Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea means passing loose or watery stool. It can result from an infection or another health issue. If your child has diarrhoea, keep them home and monitor how they are feeling. Young children can become dehydrated quickly, so pay attention to how much they drink and how often they urinate. Signs to watch for include:

Diarrhoea can spread infection through contaminated hands, toys, surfaces and nappy-changing areas. Good handwashing and careful cleaning help reduce this risk. If you notice signs of dehydration or your child is getting worse, contact a health professional.

5. Sore Throat

A sore throat may occur with a common cold or another infection. Younger children may not be able to explain what hurts. Instead, they might refuse food, cry more than usual or become unsettled. Keep your child home if the sore throat comes with a fever, significant pain, unusual tiredness or other signs of illness.

Seek medical advice if your child has persistent symptoms, is getting worse or is struggling to drink. Difficulty breathing or being unable to swallow needs urgent medical assessment. A sore throat does not always mean a child must stay home. Consider the other symptoms and follow your centre’s illness policy.

6. Rash or Skin Infection

Rashes can have many causes, including irritation, allergies and infectious illnesses. Not every rash is contagious. Keep your child home and seek medical advice if the rash appears with a fever, your child seems unwell or you suspect an infectious condition. Some illnesses have specific exclusion requirements. For example, children with chickenpox generally need to stay home until all blisters have dried. Impetigo, sometimes called sores, has different requirements relating to treatment and covering sores. 

Do not assume a rash is harmless because your child is still playing. If you are unsure what caused it, speak with your GP and inform the childcare centre. A rash that does not fade when pressed, particularly when your child is unwell, can be a warning sign of serious illness and needs urgentmedical assessments.

7. Unusual Trideness or Changes in Behaviour

Parents often recognise when their child is not acting like themselves. Your child may be unusually quiet, clingy, irritable or unwilling to play. These changes do not always mean an illness is serious. However, they matter when they appear suddenly or occur with other symptoms. Consider keeping your child home if they:

A child who is struggling to manage their normal routine at home may find a full childcare day difficult. If your child is very drowsy, difficult to wake or unusually weak, seek urgent medical help.

 

Does a Mild Cold Mean Your Child Must Stay Home?

Not always. A mild runny nose or occasional cough does not automatically mean a child must miss childcare. The important thing is to consider the symptoms together rather than looking at one symptom alone.

 

What you notice What to consider
Mild runny nose Your child may be able to attend if they feel well and meet the centre’s policy.
Occasional cough Check whether your child can comfortably join in with normal activities.
Cough with fever Keep your child home while they are unwell.
Cough, runny nose and unusual tiredness Your child may need to stay home and recover.
Difficulty breathing Seek urgent medical help.

 

The NHMRC guidelines explain that symptoms should be considered together. For example, a cough alone may not require exclusion, but a cough with fever and a runny nose may indicate an illness that requires the child to stay home. Children do not always need to be completely free of cold symptoms before returning. 

However, they should feel well enough to participate, and any illness-specific exclusion requirements must be met. If you are unsure, contact your childcare centre before leaving home.

 

How Long Should a Child Stay Home After Being Sick?

There is no single exclusion period for every childhood illness. The time a child needs to stay home depends on the condition, the symptoms and the relevant public health guidance. Some illnesses require a specific period away from children. Others require children to stay home until they feel well enough to take part in normal activities.

Here are some general examples for parents in New South Wales:

 

Illness or symptom General guidance
Mild cold Attendance may be possible if symptoms are mild, the child feels well and the centre’s policy is met.
Fever with illness Keep the child home while unwell and check the centre’s return requirements.
Gastroenteritis Children should stay home until 48 hours after vomiting and diarrhoea stop.
Chickenpox Children generally stay home until all blisters have dried.
Influenza Keep the child home while unwell and follow current public health guidance.
Impetigo A specific treatment-related exclusion period may apply.

 

This table is a general guide, not a complete list of illnesses or their requirements. Different conditions have different rules. 

For more information, check NSW Health’s school exclusion periods guidance and the Australian Government’s Staying Healthy guidelines.

 

When Can Your Child Return to Childcare?

It can be difficult to know when your child is ready to return, especially if they feel better but still have a mild cough or runny nose. Before sending them back, consider these three things.

Your child feels well enough

Can your child eat, drink, rest, play and interact comfortably? If they are still exhausted, distressed or struggling with their usual routine, another day at home may help.

They have met the required exclusion period

Some illnesses require children to stay home for a set period, even after symptoms improve. Follow the guidance for your child’s conditionrather than relyingonly on how they look or feel. For example, a child recovering from gastroenteritis should meet the relevant exclusion period before returning.

You have checked with the centre

Tell educators about your child’s recent illness and any ongoing symptoms. Ask whether the centre needs additional information before your child returns. If your child has a diagnosed infectious illness, check whether medical advice or documentation is required.

Also remember your child does not need to be completely free of every minor symptom before returning. The key is to follow the relevant excursion requirements and make sure they are well enough to take part in the day.

 

What Should You Do IF Your Child Becomes Sick at Chidcare?

Sometimes, children appear well in the morning but develop symptoms later in the day. They may become tired, develop a fever, vomit or show signs of discomfort. If educators contact you, ask what they have noticed and follow their advice.

1.Ask about their symptoms

Find out when the symptoms started, how your child has been behaving and whether they have been eating and drinking as usual.

 

2. Arrange to collect your child if needed

If your child is too unwell to remain at the centre, arrange collection as soon as possible. If they show signs of serious illness, urgent medical care takes priority.

 

3. Monitor your child at home

Keep an eye on their temperature, fluid intake, energy levels and other symptoms. Offer rest and fluids as appropriate.

 

4. Seek medical advice when necessary

Contact your GP if symptoms persist, women, or if you are concerned. Do not wait for an exclusion period to end if your child needs medical assessment.

 

5. Keep the centre informed

If your child receives a diagnosis or you learn something that affects their return, let educators know. 

 

Clear communication between parents and educators makes it easier to respond to illness and plan a safe return.

 

How Can Parents Help Reduce the Spread of Illness

Children play closely together, share activities and receive hands-on care throughout the day. These everyday interactions can make it easier for infections to spread. You cannot prevent every illness, but simple hygiene habits can help reduce the risk.

Encourage regular handwashing

Help your child wash their hands with soap and running water, especially:

Encourage your child to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow rather than their hands. Dispose of used tissues and wash hands afterwards. Use simple reminders and repeat them regularly to help make these habits part of their routine.

Keep sick children at home

Following the recommended exclusion period is one of the most important ways to help prevent infections from spreading. Sending a child who is too unwell to attend can make their day harder and may expose other children and educators to infection.

Follow medical and childcare guidance

If your child has a diagnosed infection, follow advice from your GP and the relevant public health authority. Your childcare centre can explain its illness policy and any extra precautions needed during an outbreak.

For further information, visit NSW Health’s infectious diseases resources.

 

When Should You Seek Medical Help for a Sick Child?

Most childhood illnesses are mild and improve with rest and care at home. However, some symptoms need prompt medical attention. Contact your GP or another health professional if your child is getting worse, is not drinking enough, has ongoing symptoms, or are you worried about their condition?

Look for signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, reduced urination, fewer wet nappies or unusual tiredness. Repeated vomiting can increase the risk of dehydration in babies and toddlers.

Call Triple Zero (000) or seek emergency care immediately if your child:

A baby younger than three months with a temperature of 38°C or higher needs urgent assessment at a hospital emergency department.

For more information, read Healthdirect’s guide to serious illness in babies and children.

This article provides general information, not a diagnosis. If you are concerned about your child’s health, seek advice from a qualified health professional.

 

How Parents and Childcare Educators Can Work Together

Deciding whether a child is too sick for childcare can be stressful, especially when parents have work and other responsibilities. Clear communication with educators can make these decisions easier.

Parents can help by sharing information about their child’s symptoms, following the centre’s illness policy and seeking medical advice when needed.

Educators can help by communicating changes in a child’s wellbeing, explaining the centre’s procedures and working with families to support a safe environment.

At Children’s Choice Early Learning Centre we value working closely with families and creating a supportive environment for children. Open communication helps parents and educators share information about a child’s needs and wellbeing.

When everyone works together, children can receive the care they need, and families have clearer guidance about attendance and returning after illness.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.Can my child go to childcare with a runny nose?

Possibly. A mild runny nose does not always require a child to stay home. Consider whether your child feels well enough to participate, whether they have other symptoms and what your centre’s illness policy says.

 

2. Should I send my child to childcare with a fever?

If your child has a fever and feels unwell, keep them home. Monitor their symptoms and seek medical advice if they worsen or concern you. A baby younger than three months with a temperature of 38°C or higher needs urgent hospital assessment.

 

3. How long after vomiting can a child return to childcare?

For gastroenteritis, NSW Health advises that children should stay home until 48 hours after vomiting and diarrhoea have stopped. Other illnesses may have different requirements, so check the relevant guidance and confirm with your centre.

 

4. Can my child attend childcare if they have a cough but no fever?

Possibly. A mild cough does not automatically mean a child must stay home. However, consider other symptoms and whether your child can comfortably take part in the day. Seek urgent help if they have difficulty breathing.

 

5. What should I tell childcare educators when my child has been sick?

Explain which symptoms your child had, when they started and whether they have stopped. Share any relevant diagnosis or medical advice, and ask whether the centre needs additional information before your child returns.

 

6. Can childcare refuse to accept a sick child?

A childcare service may need to exclude a child under its illness policy or relevant public health requirements. Contact your service to understand its procedures and what your child needs before returning.

 

Conclusion

Knowing when your child is too sick for childcare helps you make informed decisions. Mild symptoms do not always mean they must stay home, but fever with illness, vomiting, diarrhoea and symptoms that affect normal activities need attention. Check the centre’s illness policy, follow the required exclusion period and seek medical advice if your child is getting worse or you are concerned.

Most importantly, trust your judgement when something does not seem right. You know your child best, and giving them time to recover can help them return to childcare feeling more comfortable and ready to join in.

Have questions about your child’s care at Children’s Choice?

Contact our team to learn more about our centre and how we work with families to support children’s wellbeing.

Get in touch with Children’s Choice to speak with our team or arrange a visit to our Minto centre.