SCHOOL HEALTH

Handwashing is like a "do-it-yourself" vaccine—it involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrhea and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It's quick, it's simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs!

http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/

IMMUNIZATIONS
  • Parents must show proof of required student immunizations or an immunization exemption issued by the Health Department prior to enrolling in SAA and/or attending classes. 
  • Required immunizations are listed in the Sarasota District Student and Family Handbook.

MEDICATIONS IN SCHOOL
  • Whenever possible, medications should be given at home.
  • However, if necessary, the proper form and the medications must be turned in at the school office and the health room aide or assigned school employee will administer all medications in the school health room.
  • Only FDA approved prescriptions and over the counter medications are permitted to be given at school.
  • A Medication/Treatment Authorization Form, signed by a parent and physician, must be provided and medication must be stored and administered according to Sarasota County Student and Family Handbook 2019-2020.

SCREENING SERVICES
  • Screening for vision, hearing, scoliosis, height, and weight are mandated by Florida Administrative Code 64F-6003 for specific groups of students, according to grade level. 
  • Permission is given when a parent/guardian signs the Health Emergency Information Card. 
  • Parents must inform the school in writing if they do not wish their child to participate in any screening.  Adequate notice will be sent home prior to a scheduled screening.

HEALTH ISSUES
  • No child with an infectious disease, fever over 100 degrees, open skin infection, undiagnosed rashes, coughs, active head lice, serious diarrhea, or who is vomiting may be left at school.
  • It is imperative that children with any of the above be picked up from school immediately.
  • Students will remain in the health room until they are picked up.
  • Students sent home with a fever above 100 degrees may return to school when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.
  • Students with undiagnosed rashes may return to school when they are rash-free.
  • If a health care provider is seen, a note should be sent when the student returns to school.
  • Students who feel sick while in school are to come to the school office to call their parents – they are not to call on a cell phone or a classroom phone.

HEAD LICE
  • Students who display signs of head lice such as excessive scratching of the head may be sent to the health room for a thorough examination of the hair and scalp.
  • Adult lice or eggs (nits) are often found in the hair, behind the ears, or at the nape of the neck.
  • If lice are present, the student will be sent home with instructions for treatment.
  • After lice treatment, the student must report to the health room for the next consecutive school days with a parent/guardian to be examined for lice and nits before they may return to class.
  • If nits are present, the student may return to class, but the student’s parent must continue daily efforts to remove all nits.
  • The student must report to the health room on a daily basis to monitor progress of nit removal until no nits are found.
  • Encourage your child to avoid sharing combs, hats, or clothing with other children.
  • Check your child’s head on a regular basis.
  • For more information, refer to the Head Lice Chapter of the School Health Services Manual, www.sarasotacountyschools.net/schoolhealth.

ACCIDENT & ILLNESS DOCUMENTATION
  • All reported accidents and visits to the health room will be documented
  • If an accident is minor and requires simple first aid, parents will not be called but will receive written notification of the injury when the student goes home.
  • If more than basic first aid is needed, the parent/guardian will be called immediately.