Every licensed childcare centre in Surrey BC must have a sick child/illness policy — what symptoms trigger exclusion, how long a child must stay home, and what the centre does when a child becomes ill during the day. Understanding this policy before you enroll can prevent unexpected gaps in your care schedule and help you plan. This guide covers BC licensed childcare illness policies in 2026.
BC MCFD Requirements for Sick Child Policies
BC’s Child Care Regulations and MCFD licensing requirements mandate that licensed centres have written policies for managing ill children, communicable diseases, and medication administration. Centres must: Have a written illness policy available to parents before enrollment. Contact parents when a child becomes ill during the day and cannot be cared for at the centre. Exclude children with symptoms that pose a risk to other children (see typical exclusion criteria below). Maintain records of health incidents, injuries, and medication administration. Ask for the written illness policy before enrolling at any Surrey BC licensed centre — it should be provided upfront, not only when requested.
Typical Illness Exclusion Criteria at Surrey BC Licensed Childcare
Most licensed Surrey BC childcare centres follow guidelines aligned with BC public health recommendations. Common exclusion criteria: Fever: Temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher — child must be fever-free for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medication) before returning. Vomiting: Two or more episodes in 24 hours — typically excluded for 24–48 hours after last episode. Diarrhea: Two or more episodes in 24 hours — typically excluded for 24–48 hours after last episode. Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Excluded until symptoms resolve or treatment (antibiotics) has been administered for 24 hours. Respiratory illness with significant symptoms: Persistent cough, difficulty breathing, runny nose with coloured discharge plus fever. Contagious conditions: Chickenpox, strep throat, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, impetigo — excluded for specified periods based on BCCDC guidance. COVID-19: Follow current BCCDC guidance (check centre’s current policy).
Planning for Sick Days as a Working Parent in Surrey BC
Licensed childcare illness exclusions are a reality every Surrey BC working parent navigates. Practical planning: Backup care plan: Identify backup care options (a trusted family member, partner’s flexible work arrangement, neighbour) before you need them. Employer illness policy: Understand your employer’s policy for caring for a sick child — many BC employers allow paid personal days for family illness. Centre notification: Most licensed centres ask for morning notification by 8:00–8:30am if your child is sick. Consistent notification helps centres manage staffing and ratios. Medication policy: Ask about medication administration — many centres require written authorization and specific forms before administering any medication, including fever reducers.
Mini Minds Childcare Illness Policy — Surrey BC
Mini Minds Childcare has a written MCFD-compliant illness policy available to all enrolled families before enrollment. We follow BC public health guidelines and BCCDC recommendations for exclusion criteria and return-to-care timelines. Our team communicates promptly with parents when a child becomes ill during the day. Contact Mini Minds to receive our illness policy and book a tour →