Preschool Sick Policies: When to Keep Your Child Home
By First Cubby Editorial · Updated 2026-07-10
Most preschools ask you to keep your child home for fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or a contagious illness — and to stay home until they’re symptom-free, usually about 24 hours. Policies vary by school, so follow your program’s written rules and your pediatrician’s guidance.
Common reasons to keep your child home
- Fever (most schools set a threshold and require staying home).
- Vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours.
- An unexplained or contagious rash, or eye infection with discharge.
- A contagious illness (flu, strep, hand-foot-mouth, etc.) until cleared per policy.
- Too unwell to take part in normal activities.
The 24-hour rule
Many programs require a child to be fever-free without medication, and free of vomiting or diarrhea, for 24 hours before returning. It’s not busywork — it’s when many bugs are most contagious.
Plan ahead for sick days
Preschoolers get sick often, especially the first year (see why preschoolers get sick so often). Line up a backup-care plan before you need it, and keep the school’s policy handy.
This is general guidance, not medical advice. Follow your preschool’s written sick policy and your pediatrician — thresholds and return rules vary by program and state.
Frequently asked questions
When is my child too sick for preschool?
Common reasons to stay home are fever, vomiting, diarrhea, an unexplained or contagious rash, eye infection with discharge, or being too unwell to take part. Most schools also require staying home until symptoms are gone, often 24 hours fever-free without medication.
What is the 24-hour rule for preschool?
Many schools require a child to be fever-free (without fever-reducing medicine) and free of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours before returning. It protects the rest of the class from illnesses that are most contagious early on.
Can my child go to preschool with a runny nose?
Usually yes — a mild runny nose or cough without fever is typically fine, and common at this age. Follow your school’s written policy, and keep them home if they have a fever or are too unwell to participate.
Why do preschools have strict sick policies?
Young children spread germs easily, and many illnesses are most contagious in the first day or two. Exclusion policies keep outbreaks smaller and protect kids, staff, and families.
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