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Illness Exclusion Guidelines

When to Keep Your Child Home From School

Please keep your child home if they have: 

  • Temperature of 100°F or higher (must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school)

  • Vomiting or diarrhea (must be symptom-free for 24 hours)

  • Persistent cough that disrupts learning or sleep

  • Severe sore throat with fever or swollen glands

  • Shortness of breath or wheezing

  • Rash with fever or illness unless cleared by a healthcare provider

  • Pink eye with drainage or redness

  • Uncontrolled nasal discharge with frequent coughing or sneezing

  • Headache, body aches, or fatigue that prevent participation in school

  • Known contagious illness (flu, COVID-19, strep throat, RSV, etc.) until cleared or treatment guidelines are met

  • Lice until treatment guidelines are met

    • What you should know about head lice:  click here

Your child may return to school when:

  • They are fever-free for 24 hours without medication

  • Vomiting/diarrhea has resolved for 24 hours

  • Cleared by healthcare provider (for known illness)

  • They can participate comfortably in classroom activities

In accordance with New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) regulations, school nurses are mandated to follow state-issued school exclusion guidelines. School nurses are legally required to enforce these guidelines to protect the health and safety of all students and staff. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.