When winter arrives, coughs, colds, and #fevers often arrive too. In child care settings, illness can spread quickly, especially when children are indoors more often. Knowing when to call #parents is an important skill for child care professionals. Clear decisions help keep children #safe, reduce the spread of illness, and build trust with families.
Below is a simple, practical guide to help you manage illness during the winter months with confidence.
Why Is Managing Illness in Winter So Important?
Winter illnesses spread fast because:
Calling parents at the right time helps:
Clear policies and calm communication make these situations easier for everyone.
What Are Common Winter Illness Symptoms to Watch For?
Some symptoms are mild and can be watched. Others mean it is time to call parents.
Watch closely for these common winter symptoms:
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Runny or stuffy nose
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Cough or sore throat
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Mild fatigue
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Sneezing
These symptoms alone may not always require a call, especially if the child is active and comfortable.
For a helpful visual guide, you can use this ChildCareEd resource:
👉 Signs of Illness in Mixed-Age Health Settings
When Should You Call Parents Right Away?
You should call parents as soon as symptoms affect a child’s comfort, #safety, or ability to participate.
Call parents if a child has:
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A fever (based on your center’s policy)
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Vomiting or diarrhea
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Trouble breathing or wheezing
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A constant cough that disrupts play or rest
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Severe sore throat with fever
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Eye discharge or redness
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Unusual tiredness or confusion
If you are unsure, it is better to call than wait. Parents appreciate being informed #early. This helps build trust and reduces misunderstandings. #ChildCareHealth
How Do You Decide if a Child Can Stay or Must Go Home?
Ask yourself a few simple questions:
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Can the child take part in normal activities?
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Does the child need more care than staff can give?
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Could the illness spread easily to others?
If the answer is “yes” to any of these, it is time to call parents.
Training can help you feel more confident with these decisions. These ChildCareEd courses are especially helpful:
These courses help you recognize symptoms, respond correctly, and communicate clearly with families.
How Should You Talk to Parents About Illness?
Calling parents can feel #stressful, but a calm and #respectful approach makes a big difference.
Tips for clear communication:
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Stay calm and kind
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Share facts, not opinions
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Use simple, clear language
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Avoid blaming or judging
Example:
“Hi, I wanted to let you know that Sam has a fever of 101°F and is very tired. He is not able to join activities comfortably. Could you please pick him up?”
This approach keeps the focus on the child’s needs. #EarlyChildhoodEducation
What Can You Do While Waiting for Pickup?
While the child waits for their parent:
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Keep them comfortable and supervised
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Separate them from the group if possible
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Was #h-hands often
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Clean shared surfaces
Good hygiene matters every day, especially in winter. You may find this related article helpful:
👉 Handwashing & Sanitizing Mistakes to Avoid in Child Care Settings
How Can Centers Reduce Winter Illness Overall?
Prevention helps reduce how often you need to call parents.
Simple prevention steps include:
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Daily health checks at arrival
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Clear illness policies shared with families
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Frequent handwashing
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Regular cleaning of toys and surfaces
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Teaching children to cover coughs
When families understand your health rules, they are more likely to support them.
Why Consistent Policies Matter
Consistency is key. When staff follow the same rules:
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Parents know what to expect
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Children are treated fairly
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Staff feel supported
Make sure all team members know:
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When to call parents
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Who makes the final decision
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How to document illness
Consistency builds trust and professionalism. #HealthyChildCare
How Can Ongoing Training Help Staff Feel Confident?
Illness decisions can be stressful, especially for new staff or during busy winter months. Ongoing training gives staff the tools they need to act quickly and #safely.
ChildCareEd offers courses that support health, safety, and confidence in child care settings. Learning together as a team can improve communication and reduce confusion.
Stay Connected With ChildCareEd
For more tips, training updates, and helpful resources, follow ChildCareEd on social media:
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👉 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/childcareed
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👉 Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@childcareed
Stay informed, stay prepared, and support #healthy environments for every child.
Managing illness during the winter months is not easy, but clear signs, strong communication, and good training make a big difference. Knowing when to call parents helps protect children, families, and staff—and keeps your child care program running smoothly all season long.
