Parents frequently have questions about when it is appropriate to stay home from school because of illness. Here are some general guidelines.

• If your child feels ill enough that he/she would not be able to benefit from school
• If having your child at school would significantly put others at risk for contracting your child’s illness

Below is a table from Alameda County Public Health Department with clear, specific guidance on when your child should stay home and when they may return to school. Click the arrowhead to the right to view the table.

Should My Child Stay Home From School?

ACPHD – When Should My Child Stay Home

Students who need to take medication (prescribed or over-the-counter) during the school day may be assisted by designated school personnel or allowed to self-administer certain medication as long as it is in accordance with law, Board policy, and administrative regulations. An AUSD Medication Authorization Form must be signed by a student’s parent and physician in order for school staff to administer medications, both prescription and over the counter, on site.

• Medication Authorization forms must be renewed each year.
• Medications must be clearly labeled with the student’s name, date, instructions for administration and the physician’s name.
• All medications must be in their original containers.
• Please remember to pick up your child’s medications from the office before the last day of school.
• Get ready for the new school year: If you see your physician over the summer, have him/her sign a medication authorization form for medications that your child requires while at school. AUSD Medical Authorization Form

Students with conditions requiring special care during their school day must have a care plan on file to guide designated school personnel in procedures required for the student’s health and safety. The district can provide forms for plans for asthma, seizures and severe food allergies, to be completed by the student’s medical provider on at least an annual basis and as the child’s care needs change.

• Asthma Action Plan
• Seizure Action Plan
• Food Allergies Action Plan

If your child is in need of minor first aid, it will be administered in accordance with District first aid training. If medical attention appears to be necessary, but not required immediately, the parent/guardian or other listed emergency contacts will be contacted to pick the child up. Should immediate medical attention be necessary, the school will call an ambulance. Every effort will be made to contact the parent or other emergency contact person(s).

A child may be sent home early from school if s/he is ill, or appears to be suffering from an infectious or contagious disease.  Parents/ guardians or emergency contacts listed will be contacted to pick up the child.

If a student is found with active, adult head lice, he/she shall be treated at home. The parent/guardian of the student shall receive information about recommended treatment procedures and sources of further information. 

• A Parent’s Guide to Head Lice
• Una Guia Para Padres De Familia Sobre Los Piojos de la Cabeza

To be admitted to school, children must be fully immunized in accordance with the law (California Health and Safety Code, Sections 120325-120375 and effective July 1, 2019, California Code of Regulations Title 17 Division 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter 8). Children shall be excluded from school or exempted from immunization requirements only as allowed by law.

California schools are required to check immunization records for all new student admissions at TK/Kindergarten through 12th grade and all students advancing to 7th grade before entry. Parents must show their child’s Immunization Record as proof of immunization.

• Haemophilus Influenza (Hib) children under 5 years old
• Polio
• Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Hepatitis B
• Varicella (chickenpox) 2 doses or physician documented varicella disease meets requirement for kindergarten entry
• 7th – 12th Grade Students: all entering students must provide proof of a pertussis-containing vaccine (whooping cough) booster (e.g. Tdap) on or after their 7th birthday in addition to the immunizations listed above.

Immunization Information—AUSD

Alameda Department of Public Health—Immunization Phone Line (510) 267-3230

Need a vaccine? Visit the Alameda County Clinic.

School Entry Health Exam Requirement and Oral Health Assessment

Children enrolling in first grade are required to complete a health assessment 18 months before or up to 90 days after enrolling in first grade. 

• The certificate “Report of Health Examination for School Entry” is available through the local CHDP program, schools, and provider offices.
• Children must have a dental check-up by May 31 of his/her first year in public school: Oral Health Assessment/Waiver Request Form

• State mandated Vision screening occurs at your child’s school in Kindergarten, 2nd, 5th and 8th grade.
• State mandated Hearing screening occurs at your child’s school in Kindergarten, 2nd, 5th and 8th.
• Dental screening resources are provided by Alameda County. See below for contact information.

Alameda Area Low Cost Dental Options

There may be times when families or the District have concerns about a child’s health or safety at school. The District’s partnership with the County of Alameda School Linked Health Services program can assist school families with resources and referrals for a variety of health-related issues. These include health/dental insurance, health care providers, consultation on health-related issues, and health education workshops for students, families and staff. Call Alameda Department of Public Health at (510) 267-3230 for more information.