Keeping Our Little
Ones Healthy
We know a sick day is hard on everyone: your little one feels miserable, and you’re juggling work and worry.
Our health policy is here to make those mornings a bit easier, with clear answers on when to keep your child home and when they’re ready to come back.
Little ones share everything, including germs. When a sick child rests at home, they recover faster, and their friends and educators stay healthy too.
Our 24-Hour Rule
For most illnesses, your child can come back once they’ve been free of all symptoms for 24 hours, without any medication to hide them. If you’re not sure, call or text us before drop-off. We’re always happy to talk it through.
Not sure? Call or text us before drop-off.
When Should My Child Stay Home?
North Shore rain doesn’t slow toddlers down, and it doesn’t have to. Our indoor playground has climbing equipment, ride-on toys and open space to move, so there’s always somewhere to wiggle, climb and giggle.
Fever
Stay home if: They have a fever of 38°C or higher, or needed fever medicine overnight to keep it down.
Come back when: They've been free of all symptoms for 24 hours, without any fever medicine.
Severe cold
Stay home if: They're cranky, sleepy or listless, have a cough that won't go away, or green or yellow nasal discharge.
Come back when: They've been symptom-free for 24 hours.
Vomiting
Stay home if: They vomited during the night.
Come back when: They've kept solids and liquids down, and been symptom-free for 24 hours.
Diarrhea
Stay home if: They had diarrhea during the night, with frequent bowel movements that look or smell unusual and are often watery or greenish.
Come back when: Their bowel movements are back to normal, and they've been symptom-free for 24 hours.
Pinkeye
Stay home if: The whites of their eyes are pink or red, their eyes feel sore or scratchy, or there's yellow discharge.
Come back when: They've been on antibiotic eye drops for a full 24 hours.
Unidentified rash
Stay home if: They have a rash that hasn't been checked by a doctor.
Come back when: You bring a doctor's note identifying the rash and confirming it isn't contagious.
Fever medicine can hide symptoms
Tylenol or Tempra may lower a fever, but your child may still be unwell and contagious. Please keep them home until they meet the return-to-care requirements.
What If My Child Gets Sick at Daycare?
If your child becomes unwell during the day, we’ll keep them comfortable and contact you right away.
- Fever: we’ll call you to pick your child up.
- Vomiting: if your child vomits a large amount, we’ll call you to pick them up.
- Diarrhea: after the first time, we’ll let you know. If it happens a second time the same day, we’ll call you to pick your child up.
We know an unexpected call can throw your day off.
- Please make sure the contacts on your emergency list are up to date so someone can always come.
Can Staff Give My Child Medication?
Yes, with a doctor’s prescription.
Any medication our staff gives, including over-the-counter medicine, must be prescribed by your child’s family doctor.
You’ll also fill out a medical form giving us permission to give it as prescribed.
On antibiotics?
Your child can come back after 24 hours on antibiotics, as long as they’re feeling well and have no symptoms. This gives the medicine time to get the infection under control.
What to Pack for Your Toddler
A labelled bag each day with:
A packed lunch and a cup labelled with their name
2 to 3 full changes of clothes
Diapers, wipes and diaper cream, if your toddler still uses them
Outdoor wear for the weather: sun hat and sunscreen in summer, warm layers in winter
Not Sure? Just Ask
Every child is different, and some mornings it’s hard to tell. If you’re unsure whether your child should come in, send us a message or give us a call. We’d always rather talk it through with you.
This policy isn’t medical advice. For health questions, talk to your family doctor or call 8-1-1 to reach HealthLink BC, any time of day.
Our full health policy is shared with every family at enrolment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages is the toddler program for?
Children from 12 to 36 months.
Do you help with potty training?
Yes. When your toddler is ready, we follow the same approach you use at home, with regular bathroom visits and lots of encouragement.
Do toddlers bring their own lunch?
Yes. Families pack lunch, and we provide snacks and fresh fruit.
How much time do toddlers spend outside?
About one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon, on our outdoor playground.
What happens when my child turns 3?
Laugh Life cares for children up to 36 months. Get in touch if you have questions about timing your child’s next step.
Can my toddler come part-time?
Yes. We offer full-time and part-time care. Contact us for current schedules.
How much does toddler daycare cost in North Vancouver?
Fees depend on the schedule you choose, so they aren’t listed online. Contact us for current toddler rates. We accept child care subsidies.
When should I keep my toddler home?
Please keep your toddler home if they have a fever of 38°C or higher, a severe cold, vomiting or diarrhea overnight, pink eye, or a rash that a doctor hasn’t checked. For most illnesses, they can return after 24 hours if they’re symptom-free and haven’t taken medication. Our Health & Illness Policy has the details for each one.
What happens if my toddler has diarrhea at daycare?
After the first time, we’ll let you know. If it happens a second time the same day, we’ll call you to pick your toddler up. They can return once their bowel movements are back to normal and they’ve been symptom-free for 24 hours.
Visit Our Toddler Daycare, & Bring Your Little One
The best way to know if Laugh Life feels right is to visit. See where your baby would play and nap, meet our team and ask us anything.