Screening Checklist: Can Your Child Go to School?

As parents, we always need to be mindful of how our children are feeling before sending them to school. But this year we need to pay closer attention than ever before to do our part to minimize the spread of germs. Read on for tips to screen your child for COVID-19 symptoms before leaving for school each day.

Download our self-screening checklist.

In this article:

Symptoms checklist

Follow this checklist before leaving home each day to screen yourself for COVID-19 symptoms:

  • Cough
  • Nasal congestion or runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle pain or soreness
  • Temperature greater than 100.4°F or chills
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • New loss of taste of smell

Do not send your child to school if they are experiencing any of the above symptoms, and consult with their healthcare provider to determine whether they need medical care.

Your child should not return to school if:

  • They are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above.
  • They are taking medication to reduce fever.
  • They have a known exposure (close contact) with an infected person.

Exposure or close contact includes living in the same household, being within 6 feet of the person for 15 minutes or longer, or being in direct contact (e.g., sharing utensils, coughing, sneezing, kissing, etc.).

Going back to school safely

To send your child back to school safely:

  • Give yourself plenty of time to get through the screening checklist before you leave so no one feels rushed.
  • Use the same thermometer on the same spot each day for consistency. Any type of thermometer will do, but if you take their temperature orally (by mouth), make sure they don’t eat or drink anything 15 minutes prior.
  • Introduce your child to masking as early as possible and practice at home.
  • Remind your child to wash their hands frequently, and make it a part of your daily routine.

The information provided is only a recommendation. Be aware of and follow your school's or district’s guidelines for reporting exposure and returning to school. Visit the CDC for the most up-to-date list of COVID-19 symptoms.