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Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Communicable Disease
- When can my child be excluded from school for communicable diseases?
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A student suspected of having a communicable disease will be excluded from school until guidelines for readmission are met. Temporary exclusion of a student from school generally occurs for communicable diseases including but not limited to the following conditions: conjuctivitis (pink eye), impetigo, strep throat, chickenpox, scabies, head lice, pertussis (whooping cough). Readmission to school is based on condition and appropriate treatment.
- What is the District's policy regarding lice?
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Exclusion is warranted "when a student has the signs and symptoms of infestation (the most specific being the presence of a live louse)." Parents will be informed of the suspected infestation and the child will avoid any activity that involves head to head contact with other children or sharing of any head gear until they receive appropriate treatment. Readmission occurs after the child has received the proper treatment. Questions regarding the District's lice exclusion and readmission policy should be directed to Student Medical Services at (213) 202-7580.
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Emergency Preparedness
- If my child goes on a field trip and receives a special health procedure at school, how are they accommodated on a field trip?
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The appropriate information must be completed on the field trip slip. Contact your School Nurse for assistance in planning to meet your child's needs while on the field trip.
- How do I notify my child's teachers about their medical condition, eg. Asthma, Diabetes, Seizures, etc.?
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Contact your School Nurse regarding your child's medical condition to ensure that all appropriate personnel are notified of your child's condition.
- Can my child wear hats, sun glasses, sun visors or suntan lotion at school?
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California Education Code Section 35183.5 mandates that students be allowed to wear protective gear while outdoors at recess, gym, etc. School may regulate the type of sun protective clothing/head gear. Schools are not required to provide protective materials. Students are also allowed to use over the counter sun screen as an allowable sun screen protective measure. Contact the School Administrator for information on the school approved head gear and any other requirements.
- When will my child receive a vision, hearing and scoliosis screening?
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Screening of the student's vision and hearing will be done at the schools site in accordance with State mandates. All girls in grade 7 and all boys in grade 8 will be screened for possible scoliosis. Parents/guardians will be notified of any findings as a result of the mandated screening test that require further attention. If you have any concerns with your child's vision or hearing at anytime during the school year, please consult with your School Nurse.
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Medications, Medical Treatments, and Special Diets
- What do I need to do in order for my child to take prescription medication at school?
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California Education Code Section 49423 provides that any pupil who is required to take medication during the regular school day prescribed by a physician may be assisted by the School Nurse or other designated school personnel if the District receives:
(1) A written statement detailing the method, amount and time schedule by which such medication is to be taken and
(2) A written statement from the parent or guardian of the pupil indicating the desire that the District assist the pupil in the matter set forth in the physician's statement.
The required forms are available from the School Nurse or on the Parent Resources page. All medication must be in a bottle labeled by the pharmacy with the student's name and name and dose of medication.
- If my child's health needs require accommodations at school, who do I contact for information?
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Contact your school Nurse if your child requires accommodations or services related to a medical condition or disability which can be provided through the general education program.
- How do I request a medically necessary modification to my child's diet at school?
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Federal regulations require that dietary modifications be made for students who meet the criteria of special needs definitions. Such students must have a completed medical statement submitted for evaluation and approved by the nutrition specialist for their school. Special Diet Request must be updated annually. The appropriate forms may be obtained from your School Nurse or from the Food Services website.
- What do I need if my child requires a special health procedure at school?
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Contact your School Nurse for the appropriate forms needed for the procedure to be performed during school hours or you may visit https://www.lausd.org/parent-resources. All special health procedures require written authorization from both physician and parent.
- What do I need to do in order for my child to take over the counter medication?
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California Education Code Section 49423 provides that any pupil who is required to take medication during the regular school day prescribed by a physician may be assisted by the School Nurse or other designated school personnel if the school district receives:
(1) a written statement detailing the name of the medication, the method, amount and time schedules by which such medication is to taken;
(2) a written statement from the parent or guardian of the pupil indicating the desire that the school district assist the pupil in the matters set forth in the physician's statement.
The required forms are available from the School Nurse or on the Parent Resources page. All medication must be in a bottle labeled by the pharmacy with the student's name and name and dose of medication.
- Can my child carry and self-administer their medication at school?
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Students may carry and self-administer certain medications (e.g. inhaled asthma medication or auto-injectable epinephrine medication) if the school district receives the appropriate documentation. This includes:
(1) a written statement from the physician detailing the name of the medication, method, amount and time schedules by which the medication is to be taken, and confirming that the pupil is able to self-administer the medication;
(2) a written statement from the parent or guardian of the pupil consenting to the self-administration providing release for the School Nurse or other health care personnel to consult with the health care provider of the pupil regarding any questions that may arise with regard to the medication and releasing the school district and school personnel from liability in the case of adverse reactions.
The required forms are available from the School Nurse or on this link https://www.lausd.org/parent-resources.
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Oral Health Assessments
- Was the requirement for an Oral Health Assessment (OHA) created by LAUSD?
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No, Assembly Bill 1433 (Emerson) passed in 2006 and California Education Code Section 49452.8 require the OHA for Kindergarten or 1st grade students. All public schools in California must comply.
- How is the OHA mandate funded?
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Individual services are paid through Denti-Cal and other insurers; some providers will offer free care; and districts are slated to be reimbursed for the administrative portion.
- Can schools create a dental screening program on campus?
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Yes, as long as it complies with the District policy e.g. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
- Who is responsible for collecting data at the school?
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A clerical staff, designated by the principal, should collect and enter the data from the OHA forms into the District's database.
- Does the Oral Health Assessment (OHA) impact students this year?
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Yes, schools will need to distribute and collect forms by May 31 of each school year.
- Can the school nurse provide the Oral Health Assessment (OHA)?
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No, only a licensed dental health professional can perform an OHA.
- What if the family can not get or afford an Oral Health Assessment (OHA)?
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Parents/guardians can request a waiver from the requirement and state the reason on the OHA form. There is no penalty for requesting a waiver.
- Can a student be excluded if they don't get an Oral Health Assessment (OHA)?
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No, the law does not permit exclusion for failure to comply.
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School Entrance/Enrollment
- What emergency contact information does the school need and how often must it be updated? And why?
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A current district emergency card must be on file at the school so that parents can be notified promptly in case of accident or illness involving their child. This card must be filed at the beginning of each school year and must be updated during the school year if the information changes. Please remember that students will only be released to persons listed on the student's emergency card. Parents must make sure that the emergency card is current and correct. Please notify your child's school any time the emergency contact information changes.
- What are the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) examination requirements for first grade students?
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A comprehensive physical examination and health assessment are required for all first grade students within 18 months prior to entry or up to 3 months after admission to the first grade. If your child is without medical insurance or with limited coverage or covered by Medi-Cal, your child may be eligible for a free CHDP physical exam at school. Contact your School Nurse for further information.
- How can I get accident and/or health insurance for my child?
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LAUSD's Children's Heath Access and Medi-Cal program (CHAMP) can assist parents to enroll their children in to free or low-cost health insurance programs. Parents can call the CHAMP toll-free help line at 1-866-742-2273 or visit the website at http://CHAMP.lausd.net. Students engaged in interscholastic sports are required by California Education Code Sections 32220-32224 to have health or accident medical coverage. Private insurance coverage is also available by contacting Myer-Stevens and Toohey at 1-800-827-4695 or http://www.myers-stevens.com.
- What immunizations does a child need to register for school?
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The LAUSD and the Los Angeles County Health Department regulations require that complete health and immunization records for incoming kindergartners and students new to the district must be presented in written form and authorized or signed by a public health clinic, health care provider or private doctor before a student can begin attending classes. The health records should be brought when parents/guardians come to pre-register children for the new school year. There is no grace period: all immunizations must be up to date before a youngster can attend school. For additional details, parent/guardians may contact the School Nurse or visit the California Department of Public Health website.
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Sports
- What are the physical examination requirements for interscholastic athletics?
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Each student in grades 9-12 planning to participate in interscholastic athletic competition must pass a physical examination yearly by a licensed health care provider. Medical approval must be obtained PRIOR to participation in practice and/or competition. Examinations for interscholastic athletics are available from School Physicians on a appointment basis if the student does not have a personal physician. Please call Student Medical Services at (213) 202-2584 or contact your School Nurse.
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Teen Pregnancy
- If my child becomes pregnant, what are her options for continuing her education?
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Pregnant or parenting students regardless of their marital status have the right to attend their current school or any district school and to participate in any program or activity for which they would otherwise qualify in an environment free of discrimination or harassment. Participation in any school or program specifically designed for pregnant or parenting students such as pregnant minor schools or Cal-SAFE programs must be completely voluntary on the part of the student. Consult with the School Nurse for further information or referrals.
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Miscellaneous
- When will my child receive instruction on growth and development and human sexuality?
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California Education code Section 51550, parent notification of family life and sex education courses, states that governing boards of public schools may not require students to attend any class in which reproductive organs and their functions and processes are described, illustrated or discussed. Students receive instruction on growth and development and human sexuality in specified grades. Parents or guardians may request in writing that their child not receive comprehensive sexual health education or HIV/AIDS-prevention education.
- At what age can my child participate in school sponsored blood drives?
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Blood donation drives in cooperation with blood procurement agencies may be held on senior high school campuses. Efforts will be made to notify parents of planned blood drives; however the written consent of the parent/guardian is no longer required for participation of students 17 years and older.
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Reporting
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Contact Info 121 N. Beaudry Ave.,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
P: (213) 202-7580
F: (213) 580-6557
E: DistrictNursing@lausd.netDirector:
Sosse Bedrossian, MSN, MA, RN, FNP-C