Parent Frustrations As Sick Children Spread Illness In Care

A father has sparked debate online after calling out what he sees as a “selfish” practice among parents using early childhood services. His message, though blunt, has resonated with many families and educators who face the ripple effects of illness spreading through childcare centers.

The Issue

The dad’s frustration stems from parents who keep one child home sick but still send their siblings into daycare. While this may seem like a practical solution for busy households, he argued that it exposes other children, educators, and families to unnecessary risk.

He described the act as inconsiderate, noting that illness can quickly spread in group care environments, leading to staff shortages and disruptions for everyone.

In a direct post, the father urged parents to “do better.” His call was not just about individual responsibility but about community care—reminding families that daycare is a shared space where health decisions affect more than just one household.

ECE services are already under pressure with staffing challenges and strict health protocols. When sick children or siblings are sent in, it undermines these efforts and places additional strain on educators who must manage outbreaks while maintaining quality care.

The dad’s comments highlight a broader conversation about parental responsibility, community well-being, and the balance between convenience and collective health.

Online reactions were mixed. Some parents agreed wholeheartedly, saying they had witnessed firsthand how quickly illness spreads in daycare. Others pushed back, pointing out the difficulties of managing work commitments and childcare when one child is sick.

Despite the debate, the father’s message struck a chord: in shared environments like early learning services, small decisions can have big consequences.

Current Policy In ECE Services 

Under the National Quality Standard (NQS), Quality Area 2: Children’s Health and Safety. The current policy around sick children is designed to minimise the spread of infectious illness and protect the well-being of all children, educators, and families.

Here are the key points:

• Children who are unwell must not attend care. Services are required to exclude children who show symptoms of contagious illness (e.g., fever, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory infections).

• Sibling attendance is discouraged if illness is present at home. Even if one child is sick and kept home, sending siblings can increase the risk of transmission.

• Health and exclusion guidelines are based on Department Of Health advice. Services must follow recommended exclusion periods for specific illnesses (e.g., gastroenteritis, chickenpox, influenza).

• Educator responsibility: Staff must monitor children during the day and contact families if a child becomes unwell, requiring immediate collection.

• Parent responsibility: Families are expected to keep children home until they are symptom-free and cleared to return, ensuring the centre remains a safe environment.

• Compliance requirement: Services must document and enforce these policies as part of their duty of care under the Education and Care Services National Regulations.

In short, the policy is clear: children who are sick—or at risk of spreading illness—should not attend childcare in NSW. This protects the health of the group and ensures services can operate safely without unnecessary disruption.

Further Reading 

Managing Infection—If A Child Is Sick 
Exclusion Periods For Infectious Diseases In Early Childhood Services
Stop The Spread
Illness Alert

Reference:
Aussie Dad's Blunt Message To Parents Over 'Selfish' Daycare Act: 'Do Better'