General Health Information, Health Screenings, Immunizations, Medication at School and Student Insurance

General Health Information

For the protection of all students, the following guidelines should be followed:

• Never send an obviously sick child to school.
• A child with a sore throat, severe cough, earache, vomiting, or fever of 100 or higher within the past 24 hours should not be sent to school.
• A child with a known communicable disease (chicken pox, impetigo, strep, scabies, ringworm, etc.) should not be sent to school without the specific approval of a doctor or a licensed health care provider.
• A child with head lice will not be admitted or allowed to attend school until nit-free. Treatment should be sought for any child with head lice.
• Parents are encouraged to use common sense and good judgment when determining whether to send a child who has been ill with a cold or flu back to school.

If a child becomes ill at school, symptoms are noted, but not treated, and parents will be notified to pick up the child. In the event of a serious injury or illness, parents will be contacted for directions. If a parent cannot be reached, the person listed as the emergency contact will be called. Therefore, the school office needs to have updated home and work telephone numbers as well as an emergency contact number for each child. If it is impossible to contact a parent or emergency person, medical assistance will be obtained.

Please notify the school office if a child has known medical or health problems.

Serious Health Conditions

The state of Washington (WAC 180-38-045) requires that children with potentially life-threatening health conditions such as severe allergies, severe asthma, diabetes, seizures, etc., have arrangements for their safety completed before they may attend school. These arrangements include any necessary physician orders, the availability at school of needed equipment and supplies, and the formation of a nursing care plan by the school nurse. Specific staff training may also be needed.

Health Screenings

Schools conduct screenings to identify hearing and vision problems as well as scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine.) Parents are notified of any problems found, with the recommendation that further evaluation be received from the family health care provider.

Vision, hearing, and scoliosis screenings are done in grade levels as mandated by the state.

Immunizations

Washington state law requires certain immunizations against childhood diseases for all students, regardless of age, who attend a public or private school or a licensed day care center.

On or before the first day of attendance, proof of the child’s (a) full immunizations, (b) initiation of schedule of immunizations, or (c) certificate of exemption – must be presented at the school. Certified waivers are permitted if parents have religious, medical, or personal objections. These waivers must be on file with the school.

The legally required vaccines for children entering kindergarten are:

• Four doses of DTP or DTaP vaccine, with the last dose at or after age 4 (or DT or Td for children over 7 years old).
• Four doses of Polio (OPV or IPV) vaccine. Three doses are acceptable as long as the last does ie given at or after the fourth birthday.
• Two doses of live Measles vaccine, with both doses at or after 12 months of age and at least 28 days apart.
• One dose of Rubella vaccine at or after 12 months of age.
• One dose of Mumps vaccine at or after 12 months of age.
• Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine with the last dose at or after six months of age.
• One dose of varicella (chicken pox) vaccine at or after the first birthday. Parental documentation of varicella history is acceptable (Yes/No required. Approximate date and/or age is recommended.)

Parents are encouraged to call their family health care provider if there are questions or concerns.

Certificate of Immunization Status

Medication at School

Children should be given medication at home, not at school. However, if a child’s medication program requires having medication during school hours, the medication is to be provided by the parent and specific procedures must be followed. Forms must be completed by the parent and health care provider and be on file at school. Medications must be kept locked in the office unless special arrangements are made with the school nurse.

If a student needs to receive either prescription or non-prescription medication at school, please check with the school office for procedure details.

Student Insurance

For those students who are not covered with medical insurance (Blue Cross, Kaiser, etc.) a student group medical insurance plan is available. Contact the school office for a brochure explaining the different programs available and their costs. Parents are urged to consider the purchase of one of these options or some other plan, which will cover medical expenses in the event of an accident. This coverage is required for participation in secondary athletics if the student is not covered by parent-provided insurance. Free or low-cost health insurance is available from Washington state and is based on family size and income. For more information, call 1-877-543-7669.