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Chronic/Acute Health Conditions
The entry of a child with a chronic/acute health condition or a child assisted by medical technology into the school setting presents a challenge to the family, student and school staff. For a smooth transition into the education setting, an organized planning process must be followed. This section outlines steps and roles that help facilitate this process.
Click on a subject below to explore
some important roles
Communicable Diseases
A child infected with a communicable disease must have a doctor's note which states that he/she is free of communicable disease, and a date when he/she can return to school, and/or must visit the school health office before returning to their classroom. Teachers may ask you to show a note from the health office before they allow the child in the classroom setting for the health/safety of other students and staff.
Rashes
If your child has an exposed, unidentifiable rash, your child might be referred to seek further medical evaluation and recommend that he/she must have a note from a physician which states that your child is being treated and a date in which it is o.k. for the child to return to school. Spread of contagious rashes can be limited with early diagnosis and treatment.
- Click here for the MEDICAL CARE REFERRAL form
- Click here for the REQUEST FOR MEDICATION TO BE TAKEN DURING SCHOOL HOURS form
Doctor's Note(i.e. Permission to use Crutches, P.E. Excuses, Medications at School, Return to School following Illness)
A form with appropriate information notifies the staff to be aware of your child's current condition, therefore the safety of your child from further injuring his/herself can be promoted. These notes can also be used to excuse your child from Physical Education when necessary.
EPI-PEN (An Emergency Treatment for a Severe Allergic Reaction)
In November 2000, the SMMUSD recently adopted the policy of allowing nurses and trained personnel to administer life-saving epinephrine at school to students on campus in need of treatment for anaphylaxis, a life threatening allergic condition. Anaphylaxis can be triggered by insect stings, foods, medications, latex materials, exercise, or in rare cases by unknown causes. Administering epinephrine to students during a medical emergency may help to insure the student's health and safety at school. Parents/Guardians who DO NOT want their child to receive the EPI-PEN treatment must provide written documentation informing the school that they do not consent to their child receiving this specific treatment. The parents/guardians must notify the school which their child attends within two weeks of entering the SMMUSD.
Emergency Cards
Each school year parents/guardians must complete a number of important forms before their child is eligible to attend school. The health offices count on the information on a child's emergency card to be completed with correct and up to date information throughout the school year. It can not be stressed enough how important it is that parents/ guardians provide emergency contact names and phone numbers in case the parents/guardians can't be reached.
Please keep in mind that if your child has an emergency situation and the information is not up to date, it makes it difficult for staff and more importantly for the child who is possibly suffering with illness or injury. Be sure to include the name and phone number of your child's physician if any. ALWAYS NOTE ANY DRUG ALLERGY, HEALTH CONDITION, OR CURRENT MEDICATIONS (AT HOME OR SCHOOL MEDS.). This information is necessary in the event that no parent/guardian can be reached and the student must be taken to the nearest emergency facility.
Parents may sign on the back of the EMERGENCY CARD giving permission for PRN pain medication at school.
Head Lice
The health office must check all cases of known headlice before a child can return to school.
Fever, Pink Eye and Other 24 Hour Minimum Exclusions
PLEASE be cautious before sending your child to school if he/she vomits or has fever, pink eye., etc.
Fevers
If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or above, please keep them home for 24 hours after the fever clears.
Vomiting
If your child has vomited, he/she must stay home for at least 24 hours after vomiting before he/she can return to school.
Pink Eye
If your child has a red or pink eye condition which causes irritation, a burning sensation, itches, and has any discharge (goopy stuff that often forms crust on lashes and is very hard to remove), the child must have a note from physician which states that he has been assessed, diagnosed, and any treatment for "Pink Eye/ Conjunctivitis" must be given for at least 24 hrs. before the student can return to school. Conjunctivitis is very contagious and parents should encourage handwashing at all times to decrease spread of infection.
Rule of Thumb
PLEASE be cautious before sending your child to school if he/she is persistently coughing, sneezing, or complaining of a sore throat, runny nose, or headache.
Medication During School Hours
All medications, including non-prescription medications require written authorization from a doctor and parent. If your child does need to take medication everyday at school or during an illness, there are rules to follow.
Please request that your health care provider be as specific and concise when providing instructions for the school to follow.
