Parental attitudes to health of children in child-care centres and options when children are ill

OBJECTIVE: To determine parental attitudes regarding the health of children attending child-care centres, to explore concerns when children who normally attend child care are ill, and to investigate options in these circumstances. METHODOLOGY: Focus groups conducted with parents whose children attended child-care centres. Ten focus groups were conducted. RESULTS: Many parents encountered difficulty when children who normally attend child care were ill and there was a lack of options for care. Parents were concerned about the spread of infections among children but considered that there were also many health and other advantages for their children in attending child care. Child-care centres were perceived as providing a valuable support role for families. CONCLUSIONS: Many parents lack adequate options for care when their children are ill. Parents' concerns regarding health in child care are important in policy decisions regarding the health of children in child care, and the development of alternative care services for children.