When to Keep your Child Home

Guidelines for when your child is sick


The following are guidelines for determining whether or not cancel services due to your child's illness. If you answer YES to any of these, you should keep your child home for comfort, close monitoring, and preventing the spread of infectious disease to others.


  • Child has a fever 100 degrees F or higher.
  • Child vomits at home, during the night, or in the morning – should be observed for 24 hours at home.
  • A diagnosis of strep throat – your child needs to remain at home until he/she has been on antibiotics a full 24 hours.
  • Child has unusual bowel movements: more frequent, loose, watery than usual or persistent diarrhea during the day or night – should be observed at home for 24 hours.
  • Child  has frequent cough which is not controlled.
  • Nasal drainage with colored discharge, breathing is difficult due to nasal congestion or drainage.
  • Ear pain such as tugging on one or both ears, difficulty hearing, or discharge.
  • Eye(s) are reddened with persistent thick drainage/mucus that sticks to eyelashes and lids, eye discomfort.
  • Child has an unusual rash, that may or may not be itchy.
  • Child does not feel well ( such as excessive tiredness, or lack of appetite) enough to take part in normal activities and regular sessions.


24 Hours Rule:

  • Fever: Keep the child home until his/her FEVER has gone WITHOUT medicine for 24 hours.
  • Vomiting or Diarrhea: Keep the child home for at least 24 hours after last time he/she vomited or had diarrhea
  • Antibiotics: Keep the child home until 24 hours after the first dose of antibiotics for anything like bronchitis, strep infection, or pneumonia.


Your Child May Be Ready to Resume Services When:

  • Temperature is below 100 degrees F without fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours.   
  • No vomiting for 24 hours or longer and he/she is eating a usual diet for age.
  • Bowel movements are of usual frequency and appearance and diet are usual for age for 24 hours.
  • Cough is seldom or not at all.
  • Nasal drainage is clear and minimal and breathing is normal
  • No longer tugging at the ear, no discomfort or drainage.
  • Clear eyes without redness, drainage, or discomfort.
  • Rash has been resolved and/or evaluated by the medical providers and documentation provided.


***If any of the above symptoms occur during session hours, you will be called to dismiss your child if they are receiving services at the center.  The names and phone numbers listed for your emergency contacts must be accurate and up to date. 


Please inform your BCBA if your child has: head lice, chickenpox, measles, TB, ringworm, impetigo, strep throat, fifth disease, scabies, etc.  Whenever possible, we will notify parents of a communicable/infectious disease incidence as appropriate.

Thank you for helping to keep all clients and staff healthy!