Illness Guidelines
General Illness Guidelines: To ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all ¶¶ÒôÒõapp, please keep your child at home if they exhibit symptoms such as congestion, cough, upset stomach, fever, or generally feel unwell. If your child becomes ill during the school day, we may need to send them home. Please complete a Medication at School form if your child requires a prescription or over-the-counter medication while at school.
Our guidelines align with the recommendations outlined in the . They are intended to support decision-making when an individual child has symptoms of illness in the school setting.
Your child must meet the following criteria to be at school. Otherwise, your child should stay home (or go home):
- The child can participate meaningfully in school activities, AND
- The staff can provide appropriate care without compromising the health and safety of other children, AND
- Meet the return-to-school guidelines outlined below.
HOW SICK IS TOO SICK FOR SCHOOL? This guidance provides considerations when a child has symptoms of illness. For ¶¶ÒôÒõapp with a specific diagnosis, follow the guidance of your child's healthcare provider, local health department, or the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
Cough & Cold
Sore Throat
|
|
|
Fever
|
Definition: An oral (under the tongue), temporal (forehead), or rectal temperature above 100.4°F (38°C).
Return when:
|
|
Eye Irritation &
Pink Eye
|
Definition: Red or pink appearance to the white part of the eyeball. The child's eyes may also be itchy, have crusted or matted eyelashes, have more watering than normal, or have yellow/white drainage.
Students should remain home when:
Depending on the specifics, it might not be necessary for a child to stay home from school or child care. Frequent hand washing should be encouraged. Eye irritation can also result from allergies or chemical exposures (e.g., air pollution, smoke, or swimming in chlorinated pool water). Consult your medical provider for guidance and medication if indicated.
|
|
Rash or Itching
|
Students should remain home when:
Note: For diagnosed conditions, follow the advice of your healthcare provider. In general, for conditions such as lice, impetigo, ringworm, scabies, and pinworms, no waiting period is typically necessary after starting treatment, and the child may return after the appropriate treatment is started. Depending on your diagnosis, you may need a written clearance from a healthcare provider to return to school.
|
|
Vomiting
|
Definition: Forceful expelling of stomach contents out of the mouth 2 times or more in 24 hours.
Students should remain home when:
A student who vomits at school due to illness is required to go home.
Return when:
|
|
Diarrhea
|
Definition: Stools that are more frequent (typically two more than normal) or loose and less formed than usual for that child AND not associated with a change in diet.
Students should remain home when:
|
|
Lice
|
After completing the first treatment for lice, your child can return to school. Please check in with the front office at your school site when returning your student to school. They will confirm treatment was completed.
|