For what reason may a child be sent home?

• A. Rash
• B. Runny nose
• C. Mild fever
• D. Strep throat

Answer: (D)

Preventing spread of contagious illnesses in school is the key idea. Strep throat is a contagious bacterial infection that spreads through droplets when a person talks, coughs, or sneezes, so keeping a child home helps protect others. Treatment with antibiotics is needed, and most policies require staying home until the child has started antibiotics and has been fever-free for about 24 hours. That combination—contagiousness plus a treatment plan and return-after-fever criteria—makes strep throat the clear reason to send a child home. A rash, runny nose, or a mild fever can occur with noncontagious or less-helpful-to-quote-backed conditions and don’t automatically mandate removal in every situation, though policies vary.