PUSD Health Services

• Communicable Disease
• Food Allergies
• Head Lice
• Health Check-ups (CHDP)
• Immunization
• Medication
• MRSA
• Oral Health Assessment (OHA)
• Specialized Physical Health Care
• Staff
• TB Clinic
• Special Education Home

Head Lice

Head lice (Pediculosis capitis) are tiny insects that live on the human scalp and feed on blood.  While feeding, lice inject saliva into the skin that causes itching.  Persistent scratching on the scalp and behind the ears is a sign that head lice may be present.  Anyone, adult or child, can get head lice.  Nearly three million Americans, most, of them children, get head lice every year.  IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH CLEANLINESS AND DOES NOT REFLECT POORLY ON YOU AS A PARENT.  Although head lice are highly communicable, the problems can be managed.  However, it does take work.

HOW DID MY CHILD GET HEAD LICE?

Head lice easily crawl from one warm body to the next.  Has your child recently shared close space with siblings or friends (sleepovers); shared combs, brushes, hats/batting helmets (Little League); lovingly given hugs to others?  If the answer to any of these questions is YES, you have probably found the "bridge" used by head lice to infest your child.

WHAT DO I DO NOW?

1.      Check every member of the family for head lice.  Determine who is infected.  Head lice look like tiny, white specks on the hair shaft, near the scalp, and are found especially at the nape of the neck and behind the ears.  You will notice that these specks (head lice eggs) don't move or flake off easily.

2.      Use a recommended head lice treatment on all infected family members and follow the directions carefully.  Do not assume that if a little is good, a lot is better.  Overuse of any lice medication may result in adverse effects.

3.      Remove ALL NITS from your child's hair.  PUSD has a "No Nit" policy.  Children cannot be readmitted to school until all nits are removed from the hair. 

4.      Contact your child's school.  Let them know your child has head lice and you are treating it at home.

5.      Vacuum carpets, furniture, car interior, toys.  Immediately dispose of or empty the vacuum bag.  Lice WILL CRAWL OUT of the bag and re-infest your home.

6.      Wash and dry clothes, bed linens, and towels.

7.      Soak combs and brushes in hot (130°F) water for 5-10 minutes.

8.      Place non-washable items (stuffed animals, pillows, etc.) in a dryer for 20 minutes on HOT setting.  If this is not possible, double-bag the non-washable items in a plastic trash bag, seal tightly (remember, these critters can crawl), and set aside for 30 days.

9.      Check your child's hair on a monthly basis for head lice.  Early detection prevents a severe infestation and means fewer "nits" to remove. 

• Just the Facts - Head Lice

Health Check-ups (CHDP)

General Information:

The Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program is a state-mandated program which requires that all entering first-grade students receive specific health screenings within 18 months prior to or 90 days after entry into first grade.

The Purpose of the health screenings is early identification and remediation of health problems of California's children.  Approximately 1 out of 10 children who receive the CHDP health screening are identified as having some health problem which has previously gone undetected.  By identifying and treating or preventing at an early age these diseases or disabilities, CHDP health screenings help students achieve their fullest learning potential at school.

• School Entry Health Checkup - English
• School Entry Health Checkup - Spanish
• Report of Medical Exam - English
• Report of Medical Exam - Spanish

Low cost Insurance Programs:

Healthy Families    Phone: 1-800-880-5305    Website: www.healthyfamilies.ca.gov
SD - KHAN             Phone: 1-800-675-2229     Website: www.sdkhan.org

Immunization

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR SCHOOL AGE CHILD:
All children are required to have their vaccinations fully completed before enrolling in Kindergarten, unless exempted as provided by law.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILD CARE/PRESCHOOLERS

• San Diego County Immunization Clinics - (English and Spanish)
• www.immunization-sd.org
• Keep your immunization records online! (click here for more info...)

Medication

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR CHILD NEEDS MEDICATION WHILE AT SCHOOL

1.     Complete an Authorization for Medication Administration form (H-26).  The form requires the signatures of you and your physician.

2.      Give the completed form to the site Health Technician at the same time you deliver the medication. 

3.     Be sure the medication is in a pharmacy-labeled container stating the child's full name, proper dosage and time of medication.

Long-Term Medication: Give the Health Technician a two-week supply of medication.  The Health Office does not have enough room to store larger quantities.  Be sure to replenish the medication supply as needed.

THE DISTRICT HAS A "ZERO TOLERANCE" DRUG POLICY.  WHAT DO I NEED TO DO SO MY MIDDLE OR HIGH SCHOOL CHILD MAY CARRY HIS/HER MEDICATION AT SCHOOL?

Parent, student, and doctor must complete and sign an Authorization to Carry Medication While at School form (H-26B). Deliver the completed form along with your child's medication to your school Health Technician.

MY CHILD GOES TO ESS, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

Follow the steps for medication at school.  Inform the ESS Coordinator.  The Health Technician and ESS Coordinator will communicate and share information and forms as needed.

MY CHILD IS IN HIGH SCHOOL, ALMOST AN ADULT, AND VERY RESPONSIBLE.  DOES ANY OF THIS APPLY TO HIM/HER?

YES!  The District has a "Zero Tolerance" drug policy.  Don't put your child at risk of disciplinary action!  As the parent you can avoid potential problems for your student.  Don't send any medications to school with your student.  Remember that even aspirin is considered a drug. 

EXCEPTION - MEDICATIONS THAT NEEDS PARENT AUTHORIZATION ONLY!

The medications listed below may be administered to your child without a physician's signature.  Remember to complete the top part of the Authorization for Medication Administration (H-26), sign and deliver it to the Health Technician with the medication:  Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Throat Lozenges, Cough Drops.  NOTE: medication must be in the original package marked with student's name.

PUSD MEDICATION PHILOSOPHY

Parents bear the primary responsibility in providing medication for their students.  Whenever possible, medication is to be administered at home.  A parent has the option to personally administer medication(s) to his/her student at any time.  Health assistance at school is provided to support student learning and attendance.  Medication administration is provided under the direction of the Health Services Department. 

• Authorization for Medication Administration
• Authorization to Carry Medication While at School
• Potential Anaphylactic Reaction
• Diabetic Management Plan
• Emergency Procedure Severe Low Blood Glucose - Gel or Injection
• Emergency Procedure Severe Low Blood Glucose - Gel Only
• Procedure for Blood Glucose Testing
• Procedure for High Blood Glucose
• Procedure for Mild or Moderate Low Blood Glucose

MRSA - methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

 For information about these infections, please download this brochure (pdf) below supplied by the California Department of Public Health:
• A Parent's Guide to MRSA - English brochure (PDF, New Window)
• A Parent's Guide to MRSA - English flyer (PDF, New Window)
• Guia para padres sobre el SARM en California
  A Parent's Guide to MRSA - Spanish flyer (PDF, New window)
• A Parent's Guide to MRSA - Spanish brochure (PDF, New Window)
  
  

Oral Health Assessment (OHA) 

California law requires that all children entering public school for the first time (kindergarten or first grade) are required to have a dental check-up by May 31^st of their first school year.  The evaluation must be completed by a licensed dental professional. Oral health evaluations that occurred within the 12 months prior to school entry also meet this requirement. 

• OHA Parent Letter
• OHA Parent Letter - Spanish
• Oral Health Assessment
• Oral Health Assessment - Spanish

For more information:

• www.cde.ca.gov/ls/he/hn/oralhealth.asp 

Specialized Physical Health Care

Specialized Physical Health Care services (SPHC) are defined as any services that require hands-on care that are not part of a regular classroom curriculum. Supplies and equipment shall be provided by parent/guardian.

Many health services may be provided during the school day.  However, ALL paperwork must be in order before any health service can be provided.  Contact your school's Health Technician or Resource Nurse for assistance.  They want to work with you and get your child into the classroom as soon as possible.

• Parent Authorization for Specialized Physical Health Care (H-49)
• Physician's Authorization for Physical Education - (H-64)
• Authorization for Release/Exchange of Information - (OF102)

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Staff

TB Clinic

Poway Unified School district provides TB clinics for PUSD Employees and School Site Volunteers ONLY.  Please read all the information provided on the TB Clinic Schedule before attending a TB clinic. 

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED DIRECTIONS TO THE TB CLINIC PLEASE CALL HEALTH SERVICES AT 858-668-4132.

• TB Clinic Schedule
• 4 Year TB Clearance Questionnaire
• 4 Year TB Clearance Questionnaire - Spanish