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The Care of Mildly Ill Children

Perspectives of Canadian Parents and Childcare Directors

e.polyzoi{at}uwinnipeg.ca

Jo-Ann V. Babb

Jeff C. Babb

University of Winnipeg, Canada

In 2001, a Canadian national study examined the perspectives of childcare directors and parents on the care of mildly ill children in childcare (Polyzoi et al., 2001). A survey was conducted to examine how 328 childcare facilities (centers and family childcare homes) and 742 parents cope with providing care for children with mild illnesses (cold, flu, ear infections,chicken pox, conjunctivitis, etc.). This article briefly compares the preferences of childcare directors and parents for selected models of care for mildly ill children as determined by the 2001 national study. It also examines, in detail, the issues and concerns raised by parents and directors in the qualitative portion of that national study, using grounded theory.A multi-faceted approach is suggested by the data – with involvement of all stakeholders including employers, government, unions, media, parents, and the childcare community – to help alleviate the work-family stress associated with the care of mildly ill children.

Key Words: Canada • childcare • early childhood • emergency childcare • mild illness • women in the workforce • work and stress

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