Health Services/Nursing

Along with caring for student and staff illnesses and emergencies, school nurses:

• maintain health and immunization records for all students
• perform state-mandated health screenings
• administer doctor-prescribed medications
• perform nursing procedures
• assist physicians and dentists with school examinations
• provide health counseling and referrals
• provide classroom instruction on health-related topics
• serve as a parent and classroom consultant in health-related matters.

Mandated School Health Program & Immunizations

The Pennsylvania Public School Code requires certain school health services for all children of school age. This link, from the PA Department of Health, focuses on the physical examinations and health screenings (growth, hearing, scoliosis, TB, and vision) and houses a link to a grid that provides an overview of all the school health services mandated for school-age children, along with applicable grades. Information on dental health can be found on the Dental Health Program page.

The following exams must be conducted for the listed incoming grades, as required by PA Public School Code. 

• Kindergarten Students - Private Physical Examination* and Dental Screening
• Grade 3 Students - Dental Screening
• Grade 6 Students - Private Physical Examination*
• Grade 7 Students - Dental Screening
• Grade 11 Students - Private Physical Examination*

*Private Physical Examinations can happen anytime during the school year or during the prior year.

For more information and resources on school immunizations, please click here. For a recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule from the CDC, click here.

Special Health Care Issues

Some children with disabilities may need special accommodations in school, and yet not need formal special education. This may include children with seizure disorders, such as epilepsy, asthma, life-threatening allergies, and diabetes. If applicable, please contact your child’s School Nurse.