Physical Health

Role of the School Nurse

The goal of the School Nurse is to work closely with parents, health care providers, school staff and others to coordinate the health care of the student and the school community. School Nurses also provide direct health services to students and as needed, train and delegate to unlicensed personnel who work with students identified as having complex medical needs.

School Nurses develop health care plans to ensure the safety of students with significant health concerns, ensure immunizations are compliant with State law, assist with screenings and provide overall health guidance at school. School Nurses are an integral part of the Special Education Team and are responsible for a portion of the Individual Education Plan (IEP) that pertains to the students' health and participate in developing IEP accommodations related to health needs. This includes the responsibility for students needing 504 plans written in accordance with Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act for a medical reason.

Role of the Health Room Staff

All schools have a Health Room staff person who carries out health-related duties during the day. Other staff members help fill this role in their absence. The Health Services Department provides oversight of Health Room staff and other unlicensed school personnel who are trained to respond to the immediate health needs of students. Typically, Health Room staff and other staff members are not medical professionals but all have First Aid/CPR and AED training.

Please contact your school nurse or health room if you have questions or if your student has health needs. You can also visit the BVSD Health Services page for information about immunizations, medications, health forms and other district health policies.

Health Conditions

How sick is too sick?

Physical Health Topics

Health Resources

Immunizations

Colorado law (Board of Health rule 6 CCR 1009-2) requires all students attending Colorado schools and licensed child cares to be vaccinated against certain diseases unless an exemption is filed.

Under Colorado law, a student may be exempted from immunizations if they have submitted a signed medical, religious or personal exemption.

Students must submit documentation of immunization or exemption

This school year BVSD will be enforcing Colorado law requiring all students attending Colorado schools and licensed child cares to be vaccinated against certain diseases unless a signed medical, religious or personal exemption is filed with the school.

You can check your child's immunization compliance status now in the IC Parent Portal under Health.

If you have questions you should discuss your child’s vaccination needs with your health care provider or local public health agency.

Local & State Public Health Agencies

Boulder County Public Health

City and County of Broomfield Public Health and Environment

Colorado Department of Health and Environment | School Immunizations

State Requirements and Forms

School Required Vaccines and Schedules

Exemption Information and Forms

Resources

Immunize for Good | Colorado Children's Immunization Coalition

Vaccine Education Center | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Student Health Forms

Health Conditions Students with Asthma, Seizures, Diabetes, Chronic Headaches, or who experience Anaphylaxis benefit from the use of a standardized health care plan. We encourage the use of these standardized plans and orders:

Medications

Students may receive medications at school according to BVSD policy. However, all prescription and non-prescription medications must be maintained in the health office and administered by a trained staff member. All medications must be delivered to the health office and be accompanied by a completed authorization form signed by a health care provider.

BVSD Medication Administration Authorization

EXCEPTION: A student who requires the use of emergency rescue medications may be allowed to self-carry. Your health care provider can give permission to self-carry on the medication authorization form.

Screening and Preventative Care

Vision and Hearing Screening

In accordance with state guidelines, students are screened at selected grade levels and by teacher referral for vision and hearing. Appropriate referrals are then made to the parent/guardian.

Vision and hearing screenings are conducted in the schools in the fall for the following grades: PreK, K, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9 and all students new to the district.

To reach the Audiology team call: 720.561.5978 or 720.561.5267

Dental Screenings

Dental care in early childhood is essential to promote familiarity with professional dental services, prevent dental decay and connect children and parents to regular dental resources in their community. Clinica Family Health and Boulder Valley School District have partnered to provide low to no cost school-based dental screenings, sealants, fluoride treatments, education, and case management services to prevent and treat dental cavities. The program is currently in a pilot phase and is not in every elementary school yet. We are planning for expansion in the coming years.

In addition to the school-based dental program, financial support is available to assist with the cost of dental services for students who are eligible. For additional information contact the School Medicaid Program office at: 720-561-5571

Physicals

BVSD recommends that all students follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines to maintain optimal health, including physicals and screenings; and that all those new to the area receive a physical examination and establish care with a local healthcare provider.

Required Exams: