Brief Explanation:

Acrobat PDF files:

Attachment A - Report of Health Checkup for School Entry
Attachment B - Information For Parents of Kindergarten and 1st Grade Students

State law requires every child entering first grade in the 2000-01 school year to show proof of having had a physical assessment or screening for disabilities which could impair educational potential. It is the intent of the legislation to identify children early who have previously unidentified health defects in order to provide correction before there is interference with the educational process.

1. What does the physical assessment and health screening include?

The screening includes, but is not limited to, the following for each child:

• A health and developmental history
• An assessment of physical growth
• An unclothed physical examination and assessment of all body systems
• Ear, nose, mouth, and throat inspection; including inspection of teeth and gums
• Screening tests for vision, hearing, cardiac abnormalities, anemia, tuberculosis, diabetes, infections, urinary tract conditions, and blood lead levels
• An assessment of nutritional status
• An assessment of immunization status and administration of needed immunizations
• Health education and anticipatory guidance

2. What does "child entering first grade" mean?

It means a child who enrolls in first grade for the 2000-01 school year in public and private schools.

CERTIFICATION FOR SCHOOL ENTRY OR WAIVER (see Attachment A) provided by the State Health Department as evidence of screening. The form may be given to the parent by the physician conducting the screening and presented to the school as certification. Extra copies may be obtained from the Nursing and Wellness Program's office.

Other acceptable documentation of the screening may be submitted by the parent, such as:

a. Health Examination Request (SDCS 22-H-0700).
b. Written report signed by physician, indicating the above health screening is complete.

The form is retained at the school and completion is to be recorded on the Student Health Record. Any forms which are incomplete are to be referred to the school nurse. A report must be compiled in December 2000 for the State Health Department listing complete and incomplete certifications and the number of signed waivers.

YES -- CURRENT REGULATIONS REQUIRE SCHOOL BOARDS TO "EXCLUDE FROM SCHOOL, AFTER THE 91st DAY OF FIRST GRADE ENROLLMENT, ANY FIRST GRADE PUPIL, FOR UP TO FIVE DAYS, WHO LACKS A HEALTH SCREENING OR WAIVER."

We encourage families to make an appointment with their private physician or regular source of medical care. Eligible students who are unable to access care in the community may contact their school nurse to have the exam completed by school nurse practitioners.

State Department of Health provides funds for screenings for low-income families. The family may obtain this examination at a County Department of Health Services' clinic or a community clinic. School nurse practitioners will offer screening services at school on request to the Nursing and Wellness Program's office.

Families unable to meet the requirement because of financial status may request a physical assessment by a nurse practitioner at school using form HE 575-2, "Important Information for Parents of Kindergarten and First Grade Students." (See Attachment B.) This form may be made available to parents at registration.

There has been information in the news media. Information has been sent to parents of children entering first grade by their school nurses.

Yes. Parents not wishing to meet this requirement may sign the waiver statement. Only five percent of the district's first grade enrollment may be on a waiver.

The school nurse may assist parents whose children have been examined recently by a physician but who do not bring in a signed certification form.

Jack Campana
Director
Intervention Program