Connecticut Health Assessment Requirements

Connecticut requires students to have a current Health Assessment (physical examination) on file with the school. Physicals must be completed within one year of submission and are required:

• At the start of your child's enrollment at ECDS

• Entering Kindergarten

• Entering Grade 3

• Entering Grade 6 or 7

• Entering Grade 10 or 11

Please submit completed physical forms to the Health Office as soon as they are available. If you have any questions, I'm always happy to help!

The following guidelines can help you decide when to keep your child home from school. If you are ever unsure, please don't hesitate to contact Nurse Bailey.

• Vomiting or Diarrhea: Children should remain home until they have been free of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours without medication.

• Colds, Coughs, and Minor Illnesses: Mild cold symptoms (runny nose, congestion, occasional cough) do not always require staying home. However, if your child feels unwell, is unable to participate comfortably in school, or requires frequent care, a day of rest at home is recommended.

• Fever: A fever is a temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher. Students must remain home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. Students who develop a fever at school will be sent home.

• Respiratory Illnesses (including COVID-19, Influenza, RSV, and other viral illnesses): Students should remain home while they have a fever or are not feeling well enough to participate in school. They may return when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication, symptoms are improving, and they are well enough to participate in normal school activities. We follow the guidance of the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Strep Throat: Students may return after 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic treatment, provided they are also fever-free for 24 hours without medication.

• Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Students may return once treatment has begun (if prescribed), drainage is minimal, and they are able to participate comfortably in school.

• Mononucleosis: Return to school should be based on your healthcare provider's recommendations. Students should be fever-free, well-rested, eating normally, and able to participate in school activities.

• Chickenpox (Varicella): Students should remain home until all blisters have crusted over, which is typically 6–8 days after the rash appears.

• Head Lice (Pediculosis): Easton Country Day School follows current CDC recommendations. Return to school is determined by the Health Office in collaboration with school administration.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness! If you have any questions or concerns about your child's health, please don't hesitate to contact me. I am always happy to help!

Medication Administration at School

If your child requires prescription or over-the-counter medication to be administered during the school day or needs medication stored in the Nurse's Office, Connecticut law requires a completed Medication Authorization Form (Found Below) signed by both the parent/guardian and your child's licensed healthcare provider before medication can be administered.

All medications must be provided in their original, properly labeled container and must comply with Connecticut school medication regulations.

For your convenience, an Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication Authorization Form is also available below. Completing this form allows the Nurse's Office to administer approved OTC medications, when appropriate, according to your child's healthcare provider's orders.

If you have any questions about medication requirements or your child's specific needs, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm always happy to help!