The Autauga County School Health Services Program is designed to maximize an individual’s health potential and provide a broad spectrum of health services to students. These services are provided by highly qualified school nurses. The goals of the school health services are to:

• Identify health defects and needs of students
• Assist students in becoming increasingly responsible for their own health
• Promote the optimal level of health for students
• Provide health education and health counseling for students and parents

VISION SCREENING

Vision screening is performed to screen for visual acuity, muscle balance.  Students identified as needing follow-up will be referred for further evaluation.

AUDIO SCREENING

Audiometric (hearing) screening is conducted to screen for hearing defects. Referrals are provided to parents of all students requiring further evaluation.

HEALTH ASSESSMENTS

Health assessments are conducted to assess normal growth and development. Significant findings will be discussed with the student and/or parent. Blood pressure checks can be conducted upon request. Health counseling regarding nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle will be provided. Appropriate referrals will be made when necessary.

SCOLIOSIS SCREENINGS

Scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine most commonly detected during the adolescent growth period. Alabama law requires that all schools offer screenings for students between the ages of 11 and 14 each year. Appropriate referrals will be made as necessary by your child’s school nurse.

MEDICATIONS

Students who need to receive medication at school must have their physician complete the Alabama Medication Consent form. This form must be brought to your child’s school nurse by the parent/adult along with the prescription bottle before the medication can be given at school. If an over the counter (OTC) medication is needed the same rule must apply. A new, sealed bottle of the OTC medication along with the consent form signed by the doctor and parent must be brought to the health office.

BASIC FIRST AID

If a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the school nurse will administer first aid care. Parents may be called to pick up the student if deemed necessary by the school nurse. If a serious injury occurs the paramedics may be called.

IMMUNIZATION DOCUMENTATION

In order to enroll your child in our school system he/she must have a current updated immunization record (IMM-50 or blue slip). This may be obtained from the local health department, military facility or your private physician.

HEALTH CARE PLANS

If your child has a health problem the school nurse will work with you to develop an individualized health care plan to ensure your child’s health needs are met while in the school setting.

CHANGE OF INFORMATION

Please notify your child’s school, nurse and teacher whenever your address, working phone number or any other pertinent information changes. This is necessary for the safety and well-being of your child.

When to Keep Your Child at Home                                                                                              

Regular attendance at school is encouraged and is necessary for your child’s progress. However, he/she should stay at home if he/she has any of the following conditions in order to prevent the spread of communicable diseases to others.

• Fever – temperature of 100.4 or above. Child should remain home until fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication or on antibiotics for 24 hours.

• Vomiting – your child should not attend school if they have vomited within the last 24 hours.

• Diarrhea – Your child should remain home if they have had diarrhea within the last 24 hours.

• Undiagnosed rash – Your child should not attend school until the rash has been diagnosed and treated. It could be measles, chickenpox or some other contagious disease.

• Pink Eye (conjunctivitis) – Pink eye is contagious. Your child should be seen by your doctor and treated before returning to school.

• Lice and/or nits (eggs) – Your child should not return to school until he/she has been treated with a lice shampoo and removed as many nits as possible You must accompany your child upon his/her return to school and bring a receipt for lice shampoo. Take your child to the office to see the school nurse.

• If your child has COVID-19 symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, shortness if breath, extreme fatigue, or sore throat, please keep him/her home and contact your health care provider.
  

There are times when your child looks and feels like he/she is too ill to study or learn in school. If so, there is no point in being at school. He/she will not be able to learn.