SCHOOL HEALTH
CAES has a full-time school nurse. Health screenings are performed by the nurse for vision, hearing, height, weight and immunization review. If a problem is identified at the time of screening, parents will be notified and an appropriate referral will be discussed.
Rest, nutrition, and hygiene are important for the school aged child. Children should have at least 8-10 hours of sleep at night. Late night outings and sleepovers are best saved for the weekend. Breakfast is the child's primary fuel for the day. Help plan for time to eat breakfast or participate in the school breakfast program. We encourage parents to send their children to school with healthy meals and snacks. Hygiene should be maintained daily and health habits developed at home.
Illness: All well children are expected to be in school every day. Any child who is ill in the morning before school begins or has an elevated temperature or nausea or vomiting should remain at home until the symptoms are gone. A child should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. If the child is taking an antibiotic, she should have the medication for a 24- hour period before returning to school.
During the cold and flu season children should be particularly attentive to hygiene. They should carry a handkerchief or tissues. They should be reminded that one of the best ways to prevent colds is to wash hands frequently; especially after going to the bathroom or before eating. Children should not carry cough drops, lozenges, cold pills or aspirin to school.
Medication may be given at school if necessary. Students are not allowed to carry any medications to and from school and home. The procedures for in-school medication administration are as follows:
1. Prescription Medication must be brought to school by the parent or guardian in a container appropriately labeled by the doctor or the pharmacy and should include the name of the medication, the child's name, the doctor's name, the dosage, and the reason for administrating and the time to be taken. The medication must be given to the school nurse or the principal before medication can be given. The nurse MUST have a doctor's order to administer the medication in school. The nurse will also require a parent signature on the permission form.
2. Non-prescription medication must be accompanied by a note from the parent giving permission to administer along with instructions for administration. All medication must be left in the custody of the school nurse. The student is not allowed to carry any medication to and from school.
Illness or injuries at school: Children who are ill will be sent to the nurse’s office. If it is determined that they are not well enough to remain at school, parents will be contacted. If we are unable to contact the parent, the emergency contact person will be called. If a child is injured, first aid will be administered in the office or on site if serious. If the injury appears serious, parents will be contacted. If we are unable to contact the parent, we will contact the emergency number. Head, neck or back injuries may result in the ambulance being called first, then the parent, depending on the injury.
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