When To Keep Your Child at Home

When your child is sick, they should stay home and not attend school. This not only benefits your child but other children and staff in the classroom at school.

What Are Important Signs of Illness?

• Temperature of more than 100 ºF orally
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomachache
• Diarrhea
• Pale or flushed face
• Headache
• Persistent cough
• Earache
• Thick yellowish discharge from nose
• Sore throat
• Rash or infection of the skin
• Red or pink eyes
• Loss of energy or decrease in activity

What Should I Do If My Child Has Any of These Signs?

If your child has any of these symptoms when it is time for school, it is best that they stay home. Most childhood illnesses are over soon and no cause for worry. But, if the symptoms are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, you should contact your private source of medical care.

Children sometimes use illness as an excuse to miss school. On the other hand, some children force themselves to go to school even though they are sick. There may be times that your child does not show signs of the above-noted symptoms but may be ill. It is up to you to be alert to your children's health and to decide when it is best to send them to school.

When May My Child Return to School After An Illness?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals stay home at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.8 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (chills, feeling very warm, flushed appearance or sweating) without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
When Students or Staff are Sick | CDC

Generally, your child may return to school when there is no longer a sign of illness. However, there may be times when it is necessary for your child to see your source of medical care before returning to school. Please call your school nurse if you have any questions regarding a specific condition.

What Will Happen If My Child Becomes Ill at School?

If your child complains of being sick or does not look well after they reach school, we will contact you. Therefore, it is important that you provide the school with up-to-date information and phone numbers to call in case it is necessary to contact you.