Question 1

Can my kid go to daycare with a fever?

Accepted Answer

Most Australian childcare centres require children to be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning. Fever is a sign your child is too unwell to participate in normal daycare activities, and is often the first sign of a contagious illness.

Question 2

Can my kid go to daycare with a runny nose?

Accepted Answer

There is no mandatory exclusion for a simple runny nose or common cold. Your child can attend if they are well enough to take part in normal activities, have no fever, and their symptoms are manageable. Keep them home if they are miserable, feverish, or have thick green discharge that can't be contained.

Question 3

What are the official Australian daycare exclusion periods?

Accepted Answer

Australian childcare exclusion periods are set by the NHMRC in 'Staying Healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services' (5th edition). Examples: gastro — 24 hours after last vomit or diarrhoea; chickenpox — until all blisters crusted (usually 5 days); hand foot and mouth — until blisters dry; conjunctivitis — until eye discharge stops; head lice — child can return once treatment has started.

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