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Frequently Asked Questions about School Health Services
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Q: What do I do if my child needs to stay home due to illness?
- You must call the main office to report the absence.
- When your child returns to school, you must provide a note or the absence will remain on the child’s record as unexcused.
- If the absence is for three consecutive days or more, you must provide a note from the student’s healthcare provider when the child returns to school.
- If your child needs to be excused for gym for up to three consecutive days, you must provide a note. If the student needs to be excused for gym for longer than three consecutive days, you must provide a note from the student’s healthcare provider.
Q: My child has been sick. How do I know when they can return to school?
- Your child should be fever free for 24 hours.
- Your child should have no vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours.
- Your child does not have a persistent cough or a very runny nose.
- If your child has any sores, rashes or “weeping” skin areas, please provide a healthcare provider’s note stating that the child is not contagious.
- These guidelines are in place in accordance with New Jersey Statutes, which allow for the exclusion of pupils who are ill, as well as the recommendation of the school physicians.
Q: My child needs to take medication during the school day. What do I need to do?
- The parent/guardian must complete and sign the Medication Administration Request form, which can be found on this website, and in each health office.
- The child’s healthcare provider must complete and sign the Medication Administration Request form. This form must be signed for both prescription and non-prescription medication.
- Prescription medication must be brought to the health office in the original container, with the prescription label.
- Non-prescription medication must be brought to the health office in the original container. The nurse cannot give non-prescription medication without a signed Medication Administration Request form. This rule is in accordance with the Department of Education and the Board of Nursing.
- All medication is kept in the school health office in a locked cabinet, and may only be given by the school nurse.
- The Medication Administration Request form must be completed and submitted each school year.
Q: Can my child carry his or her own medication?
Pupils cannot carry medication (prescription or non-prescription) with them during the school day. They may not have medication in their backpack, bag or locker. The only exception is that students with asthma may carry inhalers, if the parent/guardian provides orders from a healthcare provider.
Q: My child has a chronic health condition. How can I work with the school nurse to make sure that my child’s health needs are met?
Your child’s school nurse will work with you to complete an Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP). This document lists your child’s health conditions and treatment needs, and provides the plan that the nurse will follow for your child’s care at school. The IHP must be written at the beginning of each school year.
Q: What if my child has life-threatening allergies?
An IHP is written for each student with life-threatening allergies. This individual plan describes how your child’s allergies will be managed at school. Your child’s school nurse will work with you to develop this plan, and will follow it during the school year.
Q: What health screenings will my child receive at school?
The following health screenings are provided by our school nurses, in accordance with New Jersey law and School Health Service Guidelines:
- Students in preschool are screened for height, weight, blood pressure, vision, and hearing.
- Students from kindergarten through grade 12 are screened for height, weight, and blood pressure.
- Students in kindergarten and grades 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 are screened for vision.
- Students in grades K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 11 are screened for hearing.
- Students who are 10 to 18 years old are screened every other year for scoliosis.
Parents/Guardians will be notified by the school nurse if medical follow-up is suggested.