Keeping Your Child Home from School

Students with a fever of 99.9 degrees F or more may return to school once the student has been fever-free for 24 hours without using over-the-counter medication AND any other symptoms are significantly improved AND the student is feeling well enough to participate in any and all activities that are part of a normal school day.

Children with seasonal allergies may present with the same symptoms as an acute illness. They need to stay home until allergy symptoms are under control, per their healthcare provider’s direction, or until the doctor has cleared the student to come to school with a doctor’s note and an alternative diagnosis.

Eye Symptoms

A child with eye symptoms such as redness, swelling, tearing, itching or burning, mild sensitivity to light, drainage, or overnight crusting may have conjunctivitis (pink eye) and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. If the child is diagnosed with conjunctivitis, he or she will need to stay out of school for 24 hours from the initial dose of the antibiotic.

GI Symptoms

A student experiencing GI symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting, should be symptom-free, able to eat, and tolerate a normal meal before returning to school.

Lice

Children with lice do not need to be excluded from school, but they will need to receive treatment before returning to school. Please see the lice guidelines.

Rash

A rash can resolve spontaneously and is not, in itself, a reason to keep a child home from school. Any rash associated with symptoms such as trouble breathing or swallowing, fever, or ill appearance should be evaluated by your physician. Itchy or scaly rashes may be contagious and should be evaluated before sending a child back to school

If a child presents to the nurse with any symptoms of illness, parents will be called, and the student will be sent home.

Please make plans at the beginning of the year for when you have a sick child. Set up a system you can activate if your child is ill and needs to stay home. Also, plan for when your child becomes ill at school and needs to be dismissed early.

Please remember that your school nurses are always available to answer any questions you might have about whether it is appropriate to send your child to school. Do keep in mind, however, that the school nurse, by law, cannot diagnose or treat any illnesses or injuries and will refer you to your primary care physician.