Childcare & child with possible Mumps infection!? help!

Question

Hi I really need your opinions please!!

I run a small daycare out of my home. One of my clients/friends, whom I care for her son, recently told me she could have the Mumps from a co-worker. Infact it was so bad at her work, that they brought in the Hazmat (sp?) team to disinfect the store.

Now out of precaution for my family and the other families whom I daycare for, I asked my friend to keep her son at home.

I know for a fact that he hasn't been immunized on time either. I think she is more worried about her job then about anyone else.

She has gotten bloodwork done but must wait 10 days for the results. But she worked with this co-worker for sometime before finding out. I've asked her to keep her son at home or with family until she knows.

Unfortunately if I got the mumps, I wouldn't be able to run my daycare & wouldn't get paid = not paying my mortg., bills, etc. I really don't think she understands.

She owes me this month's dues and I know she's going to ask if he can come back this week. But I just can't bring myself to allow it. Mumps is very contagious.

What do you think? Do you think I'm doing the right thing? I don't want to be held liable if all the kids get Mumps.

Also, do you think I should give her a week off her regular dues for keeping him at home? Or do I still charge her as this is somewhat of a health regulation/precaution?

Thanks!

Answer 1

You can not expose the children in your daycare to mumps it's that simple.  I don't know what your contract with this person says about whether payment is made when the child is not at daycare, that would have been up to you to take care of.  Frankly to be on the safe side I wouldn't allow her son to come until HE has been found free and clear of the illness, because not being immunized he could have contracted the illness from his mother even if she didn't come down with it, she could be a carrier.