Students with Special Health Care Needs

Abstract:
This sample policy from Cheshire, Connecticut, discusses the requirements of students with special health care needs in terms of access to education. These students may have chronic diseases (such as asthma or diabetes), chronic infectious diseases (such as HIV or hepatitis B), physical conditions (such as congenital heart defects), psychological conditions, acquired disabilities (such as drug addiction or a broken leg), or a severe acute illness (such as pneumonia). Requirements for these students' access to edcuation include assessment and periodic reassessment of the child's health status, policies supporting close collaboration with families, safe professional practice, appropriate instructional programs, related services, communication and collaboration with community health and social service providers, education of school personnel, and interdisciplinary teamwork. The policy outlines briefly the separate responsibilities of the administration and the school nurse. It assumes that school personnel will be informed of students' special health care needs, and it does not distinguish between infectious diseases that are and are not typically transmitted in a school setting. However, the policy is concise and easily understood, and it maintains a clear focus on ensuring the best educational opportunities for all students.

Publication: The Connecticut Reference Manual of School Board Policies, Regulations, and Bylaws


Date Published: 7/1/1995

Pages: 2

Location Code: 5314