When Your Child Is Sick: When to Stay Home from School

When your child is sick, it can be difficult to know whether they should stay home from school or whether they need to see a pediatrician. These general guidelines can help.

My Child Is Sick and Missed School – What Should I Do?

Call Elica Health Centers at (916) 454-2345 to ask about a same-day appointment for your child.

If your child’s pediatrician is not available, our Call Center team can help you explore other options, including an appointment with another Elica pediatrician, Immediate Care at our Arden Arcade location(opens in new tab), or the Elica Mobile Clinic(opens in new tab).

When you call, describe your child’s symptoms. Our Call Center team will help determine whether a Telehealth Video Visit may be appropriate or whether an in-person visit is needed.

If you need an interpreter, let our Call Center team know when scheduling your appointment.

Need an Excuse Note for School?

To receive an Excuse Note for School, it is important that your child’s illness is documented.

Please contact Elica on the day your child becomes sick or the following day. After the appointment, ask your child’s pediatrician for an Excuse Note for School.

Always notify your child’s school when they will be absent.

Your Child May Be Able to Go to School If…

Your child may be able to attend school if they feel well enough to participate in normal school activities and:

• They have mild cold symptoms, such as a runny or stuffy nose, without fever or other concerning symptoms.
• They have symptoms related to seasonal allergies.
• They have an ear infection but otherwise feel well enough to participate in school.
• They have mild stomach discomfort without vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or other concerning symptoms.
• Their symptoms are improving and they are able to comfortably participate in school activities.

Keep Your Child at Home If…

Your child should generally stay home if:

• They have a fever along with symptoms of illness.
• They have vomited 2 or more times within 24 hours.
• They have diarrhea that cannot be contained, is bloody, or is significantly more frequent than normal.
• They have respiratory symptoms that are worsening or not improving.
• They have a rash with fever or other signs of illness.
• They are not feeling well enough to comfortably participate in normal school activities.
• Their illness requires more care than school staff can reasonably provide.

Call Your Child’s Pediatrician If…

Contact your child’s pediatrician if you are concerned about their symptoms, especially if:

• They have difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a severe or worsening cough.
• They have persistent or severe ear pain.
• They have a severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or fever with a sore throat.
• Vomiting or diarrhea continues or you are concerned about dehydration.
• They have a new or concerning rash.
• Eye redness, pain, swelling, or discharge is worsening or not improving.
• Their symptoms are getting worse instead of better.
• You are unsure whether your child should return to school.

When Can My Child Return to School?

In general, your child may return when they are feeling better, their symptoms are improving, and they are well enough to participate in normal school activities.

For fever, your child should be fever-free without fever-reducing medication before returning to school. After vomiting, your child should be able to keep down food and liquids.

Always follow your child’s school or school district policies, as requirements may vary.

Official Sources for More Information

For additional information about when a child should stay home or return to school, please visit:

California Department of Public Health – Considerations When a Child Has Symptoms of Illness in Child Care or School(opens in new tab) – California-specific guidance for families, schools, and child care settings.
CDC – When Students or Staff Are Sick(opens in new tab) – national guidance on staying home and returning to school after illness.

When in doubt, contact your child’s pediatrician.