Illnesses and children in a preschool center.

The illnesses experienced by children in a preschool center over a 9-month period were analyzed from the records kept by a Headstart health coordinator. These records included a description of both the illness and the care given. Comments made by children such as "feeling funny" or "something hurts," as well as changes in function or behavior were described by the teachers. Ninety-five children out of a total sample of 241 developed 161 illnesses. The most common illnesses were respiratory infections, fevers, gastrointestinal symptoms, and skin changes. In 73 of these illnesses children were sent home, sent for medical care, or excluded from class. Factors which affected decisions about the care of children's illnesses were their well-being, risk to others in the school or public health considerations, and perceived need for medical evaluation. Ill-child care has been one part of the health coordinator role developed by Headstart; in its many functions this role might be adopted by pediatric nurses as a valuable role for providing general health care to young families.