Daycare.com Forum
Daycare Center and Family Home Forum>What would you text to DCM?
TaylorTots 05:33 AM 04-16-2014
DCG 12m drops off today with runny nose and cough. I don't exclude for either. Mom says she didn't sleep well between cough and cutting teeth. She feels warm, I take temp and it is 99.5.
My cutoff is 100.0
I had a parent call Monday with a case of strep for another DCK - which means DCK was likely contagious when she was here on Friday (with DCG).
I was thinking of putting DCG in a separate area with some toys in a pack and play to minimalize exposure to my other toddler (since DCG mouths everything), as well as sending a text to mom to give her a heads up (this DCM makes any illness pick up a HUGE deal and headache).
I stink at composing texts like this, can you guys help? What would you send?
Oh, and how often do you check temperatures when you suspect a fever impending?
My cutoff is 100.0
I had a parent call Monday with a case of strep for another DCK - which means DCK was likely contagious when she was here on Friday (with DCG).
I was thinking of putting DCG in a separate area with some toys in a pack and play to minimalize exposure to my other toddler (since DCG mouths everything), as well as sending a text to mom to give her a heads up (this DCM makes any illness pick up a HUGE deal and headache).
I stink at composing texts like this, can you guys help? What would you send?
Oh, and how often do you check temperatures when you suspect a fever impending?
EntropyControlSpecialist 05:39 AM 04-16-2014
I do warn parents. "Hey Sue, I just wanted to give you a head's up that Sally has a rising temperature accompanying her runny nose and cough. It is 99.5 at this point in time. I will keep you informed on if she needs to be picked up. Have a nice Wednesday!"
DaisyMamma 05:40 AM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
I do warn parents. "Hey Sue, I just wanted to give you a head's up that Sally has a rising temperature accompanying her runny nose and cough. It is 99.5 at this point in time. I will keep you informed on if she needs to be picked up. Have a nice Wednesday!"
I do warn parents. "Hey Sue, I just wanted to give you a head's up that Sally has a rising temperature accompanying her runny nose and cough. It is 99.5 at this point in time. I will keep you informed on if she needs to be picked up. Have a nice Wednesday!"
taylorw1210 05:48 AM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by EntropyControlSpecialist:
I do warn parents. "Hey Sue, I just wanted to give you a head's up that Sally has a rising temperature accompanying her runny nose and cough. It is 99.5 at this point in time. I will keep you informed on if she needs to be picked up. Have a nice Wednesday!"
I did the same last Monday for a new-start. Texted the mom to keep her informed. The DCG's temperature ended up spiking to 102 after nap and she tested positive for strep that afternoon. I do warn parents. "Hey Sue, I just wanted to give you a head's up that Sally has a rising temperature accompanying her runny nose and cough. It is 99.5 at this point in time. I will keep you informed on if she needs to be picked up. Have a nice Wednesday!"
EntropyControlSpecialist 05:52 AM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by taylorw1210:
I did the same last Monday for a new-start. Texted the mom to keep her informed. The DCG's temperature ended up spiking to 102 after nap and she tested positive for strep that afternoon.
EVERY child that I send a warning text for spikes soon after (within a couple of hours). The parents at least had warning so if they are the Doctor taking type most have scheduled an appointment just in case. It works well.I did the same last Monday for a new-start. Texted the mom to keep her informed. The DCG's temperature ended up spiking to 102 after nap and she tested positive for strep that afternoon.
Now, I did have ONE family who always had an excuse every single time their child was ill. Allergies, too much watermelon, too much granola, etc. I never warned them. The one time I did the Mom wanted me to text her a picture of the symptom I was texting about so she could ask her "Doctor friends." The child was ill (which showed up by temp later and the Mom disputed that my thermometer wasn't the best of the best and THAT was why her daughter had a temp.) but her Doctor friend's diagnosed that she wasn't contagious over the phone.
Blackcat31 05:57 AM 04-16-2014
Like ECS, I send a "head's up" text if I anticipate someone needing to be pickup or if they begin to show the first signs of illness.
I have a couple DCF's that like to see their Dr for any type of illness so the text serves it's purpose.
OP~ I look at the over-all behavior of the child and not just the fever, or possibility of one. If the child is at 99.5 AND the behavior is out of the ordinary or the child is having difficulty participating in normal activities, I will still send them home.
Sometimes catching the bug and treating it with rest AT HOME helps minimize the likelihood of the child actually getting sick/sicker.
I have a couple DCF's that like to see their Dr for any type of illness so the text serves it's purpose.
OP~ I look at the over-all behavior of the child and not just the fever, or possibility of one. If the child is at 99.5 AND the behavior is out of the ordinary or the child is having difficulty participating in normal activities, I will still send them home.
Sometimes catching the bug and treating it with rest AT HOME helps minimize the likelihood of the child actually getting sick/sicker.
CraftyMom 06:03 AM 04-16-2014
My policy says child is excluded for fever, I do not give a number. My state says 100, however, if it's 99.5 it will almost definitely be 100 soon, so I would exclude. Also, if a child has any fever they are usually showing it through crankiness or behavior and should be home
I have REALLY tightened down on my illness policy. I'm done with games and illness in my home
I have REALLY tightened down on my illness policy. I'm done with games and illness in my home
cheerfuldom 06:16 AM 04-16-2014
I would text them to pickup now. The fever combined with the symptoms says without a doubt that she is sick. I would not haggle over half a degree. More than likely, she will be warmer by the time the parents come anyway. I wouldnt say the number either, just that she has a fever and needs to go home.
TaylorTots 06:25 AM 04-16-2014
Thanks ladies. I texted DCM with "Hey DCM, I just wanted to give you a head's up that DCG has a rising temperature accompanying her runny nose and cough. It is 99.5 at this point in time. I will keep you informed on if she needs to be picked up. I got another report from a parent today of another daycare child being diagnosed with strep last night. Have a nice Wednesday!"
She replied: "I almost kept her home today too. I put sub in system so once sub comes I will be able to leave." (Teacher @ school 35 minutes away).
I guess my other question is what is reasonable for pickup time once I tell DCM that DCG has to be picked up? I know she has a 35 minute commute on top of waiting for a sub (which she already requested). My other DCFs have at least one parent or relative that works/lives locally so they can pick up within 20-30 minutes. This one always stretches from 1-2 hours from the pick up call but I know that they don't have any local relatives (45 minutes away) and they both have a work commute.
She replied: "I almost kept her home today too. I put sub in system so once sub comes I will be able to leave." (Teacher @ school 35 minutes away).
I guess my other question is what is reasonable for pickup time once I tell DCM that DCG has to be picked up? I know she has a 35 minute commute on top of waiting for a sub (which she already requested). My other DCFs have at least one parent or relative that works/lives locally so they can pick up within 20-30 minutes. This one always stretches from 1-2 hours from the pick up call but I know that they don't have any local relatives (45 minutes away) and they both have a work commute.
TickleMonster 06:25 AM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by cheerfuldom:
I would text them to pickup now. The fever combined with the symptoms says without a doubt that she is sick. I would not haggle over half a degree. More than likely, she will be warmer by the time the parents come anyway. I wouldnt say the number either, just that she has a fever and needs to go home.
I would text them to pickup now. The fever combined with the symptoms says without a doubt that she is sick. I would not haggle over half a degree. More than likely, she will be warmer by the time the parents come anyway. I wouldnt say the number either, just that she has a fever and needs to go home.
yep yep did this yesterday with both our babies
Blackcat31 06:30 AM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by TaylorTots:
I guess my other question is what is reasonable for pickup time once I tell DCM that DCG has to be picked up? I know she has a 35 minute commute on top of waiting for a sub (which she already requested). My other DCFs have at least one parent or relative that works/lives locally so they can pick up within 20-30 minutes. This one always stretches from 1-2 hours from the pick up call but I know that they don't have any local relatives (45 minutes away) and they both have a work commute.
I give parents 45 minutes to retrieve their child. I guess my other question is what is reasonable for pickup time once I tell DCM that DCG has to be picked up? I know she has a 35 minute commute on top of waiting for a sub (which she already requested). My other DCFs have at least one parent or relative that works/lives locally so they can pick up within 20-30 minutes. This one always stretches from 1-2 hours from the pick up call but I know that they don't have any local relatives (45 minutes away) and they both have a work commute.
I live in a smaller community that doesn't experience many traffic issues and none of my parents work farther than 15 minutes away so 45 is my MAX allowable time for them to either close up whatever they were doing at work and come get their child or for them to make arrangements to send someone else.
TaylorTots 06:33 AM 04-16-2014
I'm actually really happy with my illness policy as it is 
When I have had illness policy abuse in the past I just term. There is no warnings or anything. It works well for me and I don't want to change it.
However, I do suck at wording things in text to parents - which is what I needed help with. You guys phrase things SO much better than I do!
When I have had illness policy abuse in the past I just term. There is no warnings or anything. It works well for me and I don't want to change it. However, I do suck at wording things in text to parents - which is what I needed help with. You guys phrase things SO much better than I do!
TaylorTots 06:38 AM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I give parents 45 minutes to retrieve their child.
I live in a smaller community that doesn't experience many traffic issues and none of my parents work farther than 15 minutes away so 45 is my MAX allowable time for them to either close up whatever they were doing at work and come get their child or for them to make arrangements to send someone else.
I give parents 45 minutes to retrieve their child.
I live in a smaller community that doesn't experience many traffic issues and none of my parents work farther than 15 minutes away so 45 is my MAX allowable time for them to either close up whatever they were doing at work and come get their child or for them to make arrangements to send someone else.
I figure 1 hour should do because if these parents take 35 minutes to commute and grandparents are 45 minutes away, that allows time for a phone call/traffic/etc. It's such a hard call with this family - I know how it can be hard when you have no family around to help and can't get free - I used to pre-k teach and DH traveled (and we lived 1.5 hours from ANY family, had no local friends) so when kids were sick I was often up a creek -- DH being 2 hours away or more and me not being able to leave 12 preschoolers without a sub of some kind.
Cradle2crayons 07:00 AM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by TaylorTots:
Thanks ladies. I texted DCM with "Hey DCM, I just wanted to give you a head's up that DCG has a rising temperature accompanying her runny nose and cough. It is 99.5 at this point in time. I will keep you informed on if she needs to be picked up. I got another report from a parent today of another daycare child being diagnosed with strep last night. Have a nice Wednesday!"
She replied: "I almost kept her home today too. I put sub in system so once sub comes I will be able to leave." (Teacher @ school 35 minutes away).
I guess my other question is what is reasonable for pickup time once I tell DCM that DCG has to be picked up? I know she has a 35 minute commute on top of waiting for a sub (which she already requested). My other DCFs have at least one parent or relative that works/lives locally so they can pick up within 20-30 minutes. This one always stretches from 1-2 hours from the pick up call but I know that they don't have any local relatives (45 minutes away) and they both have a work commute.
Thanks ladies. I texted DCM with "Hey DCM, I just wanted to give you a head's up that DCG has a rising temperature accompanying her runny nose and cough. It is 99.5 at this point in time. I will keep you informed on if she needs to be picked up. I got another report from a parent today of another daycare child being diagnosed with strep last night. Have a nice Wednesday!"
She replied: "I almost kept her home today too. I put sub in system so once sub comes I will be able to leave." (Teacher @ school 35 minutes away).
I guess my other question is what is reasonable for pickup time once I tell DCM that DCG has to be picked up? I know she has a 35 minute commute on top of waiting for a sub (which she already requested). My other DCFs have at least one parent or relative that works/lives locally so they can pick up within 20-30 minutes. This one always stretches from 1-2 hours from the pick up call but I know that they don't have any local relatives (45 minutes away) and they both have a work commute.
great job!!My parents commute an hour each way, so I give them an hour give or take. I know the waitress mom has to transfer her tables, etc. Another mom actually works 1.5 hours away but dad works 45 minutes away so he's the illness picker upper. Their dr is in our small town though.
I also give a heads up as soon as I can.
TaylorTots 08:20 AM 04-16-2014
She just picked up - I suggested she make a doctor appointment when she texted me that she had a sub and was leaving work. She was hurrying with DCG out the door so she could make it to the appt she made.
If I were a gambler I would bet a days worth of diaper changes that she has strep.
I will only have 2 DCKs tomorrow at this rate...wow.
If I were a gambler I would bet a days worth of diaper changes that she has strep.
I will only have 2 DCKs tomorrow at this rate...wow.
EntropyControlSpecialist 08:23 AM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by TaylorTots:
I figure 1 hour should do because if these parents take 35 minutes to commute and grandparents are 45 minutes away, that allows time for a phone call/traffic/etc.
It's such a hard call with this family - I know how it can be hard when you have no family around to help and can't get free - I used to pre-k teach and DH traveled (and we lived 1.5 hours from ANY family, had no local friends) so when kids were sick I was often up a creek -- DH being 2 hours away or more and me not being able to leave 12 preschoolers without a sub of some kind.
I do an hour and then implement $1/min late charges. I figure 1 hour should do because if these parents take 35 minutes to commute and grandparents are 45 minutes away, that allows time for a phone call/traffic/etc. It's such a hard call with this family - I know how it can be hard when you have no family around to help and can't get free - I used to pre-k teach and DH traveled (and we lived 1.5 hours from ANY family, had no local friends) so when kids were sick I was often up a creek -- DH being 2 hours away or more and me not being able to leave 12 preschoolers without a sub of some kind.
mia 08:28 AM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
I give parents 45 minutes to retrieve their child.
I live in a smaller community that doesn't experience many traffic issues and none of my parents work farther than 15 minutes away so 45 is my MAX allowable time for them to either close up whatever they were doing at work and come get their child or for them to make arrangements to send someone else.
What do you do if they do not show up with in the 45 mins..... just wondering, do you charge a fee, call again, call someone else to pick up ?I give parents 45 minutes to retrieve their child.
I live in a smaller community that doesn't experience many traffic issues and none of my parents work farther than 15 minutes away so 45 is my MAX allowable time for them to either close up whatever they were doing at work and come get their child or for them to make arrangements to send someone else.
Blackcat31 09:19 AM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by mia:
What do you do if they do not show up with in the 45 mins..... just wondering, do you charge a fee, call again, call someone else to pick up ?
If they don't show up, they are considered late and charged the applicable late fee. What do you do if they do not show up with in the 45 mins..... just wondering, do you charge a fee, call again, call someone else to pick up ?
Communication is the key.
If they communicate with me and making it here within my 45 minute window is impossible, then tell me BEFORE the 45 minutes is up, not as an after thought.
You can cross my town 4ox both ways in 45 minutes. There really is no excuse to be more than 45 minutes late.
NONE of my families have ever had issue with that window of time.
If they simply didn't show up within 45 minutes though, I would call their emergency contact person and have term papers ready for them. NOT because they couldn't get here within 45 minutes but because NOT communicating is disrespectful and not something I can work with.
taylorw1210 09:35 AM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by TaylorTots:
She just picked up - I suggested she make a doctor appointment when she texted me that she had a sub and was leaving work. She was hurrying with DCG out the door so she could make it to the appt she made.
If I were a gambler I would bet a days worth of diaper changes that she has strep.
I will only have 2 DCKs tomorrow at this rate...wow.
Let us know how it goes! I was at the walk-in Friday evening being tested for strep (previous Monday a DCK tested positive and I came down with symptoms) and was told by the Dr. that saw me he had 5 positives for walk-in patients in less than 35 minutes. She just picked up - I suggested she make a doctor appointment when she texted me that she had a sub and was leaving work. She was hurrying with DCG out the door so she could make it to the appt she made.
If I were a gambler I would bet a days worth of diaper changes that she has strep.
I will only have 2 DCKs tomorrow at this rate...wow.
Apparently it's going around right now!
Angelsj 09:40 AM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by Blackcat31:
Communication is the key.
NOT because they couldn't get here within 45 minutes but because NOT communicating is disrespectful and not something I can work with.
Communication is the key.
NOT because they couldn't get here within 45 minutes but because NOT communicating is disrespectful and not something I can work with.
Oh my goodness, wouldn't this solve so MANY problems?!!
Not communicating with me is my number one pet peeve.
cheerfuldom 10:01 AM 04-16-2014
I have an hour as the max pickup timeframe. I wouldnt work for any family that needed more than that in order to get here. Its usually a lot less but I just wouldnt tolerate any longer. One hour is a lot of vomit and crying and whatever else if you have a sick child in care.
TaylorTots 10:58 AM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by taylorw1210:
Let us know how it goes! I was at the walk-in Friday evening being tested for strep (previous Monday a DCK tested positive and I came down with symptoms) and was told by the Dr. that saw me he had 5 positives for walk-in patients in less than 35 minutes. Apparently it's going around right now!
Good thing I am not a gambler. Let us know how it goes! I was at the walk-in Friday evening being tested for strep (previous Monday a DCK tested positive and I came down with symptoms) and was told by the Dr. that saw me he had 5 positives for walk-in patients in less than 35 minutes.
Apparently it's going around right now!DCM texted me after doctor appt: "Cold and 6 teeth coming in! No strep."
This DCM is good about communicating - as soon as I sent the warning/heads up text she requested a sub and arrived before I even had to call for a pick up and kept me updated as when she was able to leave work. DCG was in the hallway in a pack n play all morning - I informed mom I was separating her from the group until she ruled out strep.
Blackcat31 02:02 PM 04-16-2014
Originally Posted by TaylorTots:
DCM texted me after doctor appt: "Cold and 6 teeth coming in! No strep."
Yet. DCM texted me after doctor appt: "Cold and 6 teeth coming in! No strep."
I have had 4 kids in the last 6 months NOT have strep only according to the rapid test..... only to have the 24 hour test come back positive.
I sure hope that isn't the case....especially since she (DCG) already has a lower ability to fight off anything since she is already fighting off a cold and she is teething.
Is she excluded for tomorrow or is she still coming?