When Should I Keep My Child Home?

        Cranford Public Schools Exclusion Criteria for Student Illness

The following regulations establish the criteria for student absence due to illness. It should be noted that any student who is absent from school or dismissed early for medical reasons is prohibited from participating in any school-sponsored activities or performances for the remainder of that day.

Fever – Students presenting with a body temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher are required to remain at home. Re-entry to the school facility is permitted only after the student has remained fever-free, without the administration of fever-reducing medication, for a minimum period of 24 consecutive hours.

Gastrointestinal Illness – In instances of vomiting or diarrhea, students must be excluded from school until they have been asymptomatic for at least 24 hours and are capable of maintaining adequate oral intake of solid nutrition.

Eye Inflammation – The presence of eye redness accompanied by crusting or discharge may indicate infectious conjunctivitis. A clinical evaluation by a healthcare provider is mandatory. Students may resume school attendance provided they submit formal medical documentation confirming they no longer pose a risk of contagion and symptom free.

Dermatological Rashes – As undiagnosed skin rashes may be transmissible, students must undergo medical assessment for diagnosis and appropriate intervention. Return to school is contingent upon the provision of a physician’s statement verifying the non-contagious status of the condition.

Strep Throat – Students diagnosed with streptococcal pharyngitis must complete a 24-hour period of exclusion following the initiation of antibiotic therapy. Re-admission is authorized once the initial doses have been administered and the student has remained fever-free for 24 hours.

Pediculosis (Head Lice) – If a student is identified as having head lice, home exclusion is required until all treatment protocols are finalized and the student is verified to be free of lice and nits. Prior to returning to the classroom, the student must be cleared via a physical examination by the school nurse.