SUNSHINE SCHOOL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Inclement Weather Procedures

When we have bad weather and school might be closed, please do not call me.  I will need to keep my phone line open in order to receive weather information from out in the county.  If school is closed, the announcement will be made on the following stations:

TV Channels:             4, 7, and 11

Radio Stations:          KWCK – 99.9

                                    KAWW – 100.7

                                    KSMD – 99.1

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=603365501798917&set=a.603365491798918

If we are not listed on TV or announced on the Radio or on Facebook please assume we are open.

If Searcy Public Schools are closed, then Sunshine School will be closed also.  If it snows during the day, and the buses run early, this will be announced on the radio.  We will also make every effort to contact each parent.

Alternate bus route indicates that the bus that normally goes to Bradford will only go to Bald Knob the pick-up will be at the old fur place.

If we are open but one or more of our buses is not running we will call you.

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 When a student is identified as being suspect for head lice infestation, staff will check the student’s head.

 If lice or ANY NITS are found, the student’s parent will be called to pick up the child.  Parents are encouraged to check all individuals living in the home and treat (if necessary).  If possible, the parent is provided with instructions on how to eliminate the lice.

The student will be allowed to return to school after he/she has been appropriately treated and ALL NITS HAVE BEEN REMOVED FROM THE HAIR.  When students return to school, they must have a note signed by a parent stating what treatment has been done.

 When head lice are found on a student, all the students in that classroom will be checked when feasible.  A brochure will be given to each student in that classroom to be taken home to parents.

 A record will be kept of students infected and the date.

 

 

                                                Sunshine School Health Related Policies

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COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND PARASITES

Students with communicable diseases or with human host parasites that are transmittable in a school environment shall demonstrate safe practices in regards to other students by not attending school while they are capable of transmitting their condition to others. Students who the school nurse determines are unwell or unfit for school attendance or who are believed to have a communicable disease or condition will be required to be picked up by their parent or guardian.

Specific examples include, but are not limited to:

Varicella (chicken pox)                                                                        Mononucleosis

 Measles                                                                                                Hepatitis A, B, or C

Scabies                                                                                                  Vomiting

conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)                                                                       Diarrhea

impetigo/MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)          Fever (100.4 F when taken orally)

streptococcal and staphylococcal infections                                         Ringworm

 

 A student who has been sent home by the school nurse will be subsequently readmitted, at the discretion of the school nurse, when the student is no longer a transmission risk. In some instances, a letter from a health care provider may be required before the student is readmitted to the school.

 

To help control the possible spread of communicable diseases, school personnel shall follow the Sunshine School’s exposure control plan when dealing with any bloodborne, foodborne, and airborne pathogens exposures. Standard precautions shall be followed relating to the handling, disposal, and cleanup of blood and other potentially infectious materials, such as all body fluids, secretions, and excretions (except sweat).

 

IMMUNIZATIONS, the Sunshine School shall maintain a copy of each student's or client immunization record and a list of individuals with exemptions from immunization, which shall be his/her records. That policy provides that an education record may be disclosed to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals.

 

A student enrolled in the Sunshine School who has an immunization exemption may be removed from school at the discretion of the Arkansas Department of Health during an outbreak of the disease for which the student is not vaccinated. The student may not return to school until the outbreak has been resolved and the student's return to school is approved by the Arkansas Department of Health.

 

The parents or legal guardians of students found to have live human host parasites that are transmittable in a school environment will be asked to pick their child up at the end of the school day. The parents or legal guardians will be given information concerning the eradication and control of human host parasites. A student may be readmitted after the school nurse or designee has determined that the student no longer has live human host parasites that are transmittable in a school environment.

 

The Sunshine School may conduct screenings of students for human host parasites that are transmittable in a school environment as needed. The screenings shall be conducted in a manner that respects the privacy and confidentiality of each student.

 

 

STUDENT ILLNESS/ACCIDENT

If a student becomes too ill to remain in class and/or could be contagious to other students, the director or designee will attempt to notify the student’s or client’s parent or legal guardian. The student will remain in the school’s health room or a place where he/she can be supervised until the end of the school day or until the parent/legal guardian can check the student out of school.

 

If a student or client becomes seriously ill or is injured while at school and the parent/legal guardian cannot be contacted, the failure to make such contact shall not unreasonably delay the school’s expeditious transport of the student to an appropriate medical care facility. The school assumes no responsibility for the treatment of the student. When available, current, and applicable, the student’s emergency contact numbers and medical information will be utilized. Parents and/or legal guardians are strongly encouraged to keep this information up to date.

 

To provide our students or clients with a healthy environment in which to learn, these guidelines should be followed:

 

1. If a student or client complains before school, take his/her temperature and keep the child home if the temperature is equal to or exceeds 100.4 degrees.

 

2. If a student or client complains of a stomach disorder such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, he/she should NOT be sent to school. Stomach viruses are contagious.

 

3. If a student or client has a rash of unknown origin or has a suspected condition (such as chicken pox, ringworm, pinkeye) which may be contagious, DO NOT SEND HIM/HER TO SCHOOL UNTIL A PHYSICIAN HAS DIAGNOSED THE CONDITION AND TREATMENT HAS BEEN STARTED.

 

4. If a student or client is sent home from school with a fever, he/she should NOT return to school the next day. A child should be fever-free for 24 hours (being fever-free does not count if the child is given Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil of any kind). The child’s temperature MUST be down on its own.

 

5. If a student or client is sent home from school for vomiting or diarrhea, he/she should NOT return to school the next day. They should be free of vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours without any medications.

 

Many times, students or clients become ill at school, and the school must notify the parents or legal guardian.

The following criteria will be used as a guide to notifying parents:

1. Fever of 100.4 degrees or higher

2. Vomiting and/or diarrhea

3. Symptoms of contagious conjunctivitis (pink eye). The student or client may return to school AFTER being on medication for 24 hours.

4. Symptoms of any contagious disease

5. Serious injuries- deemed such by the teacher, director, or school nurse

6. Parasite infestation (Head lice, Scabies, Bed Bugs, Etc.) The parent will need to provide proof of treatment.

7. Symptoms that the teacher, director, or school nurse deem as a possible health risk.

 

STUDENT MEDICATIONS

Before the administration of any medication, including any dietary supplement or other perceived health remedy not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration to any student/client, written parental/guardian consent is required and relieve the Sunshine School and its employees of civil liability for damages or injuries resulting from the administration of medication to students or client following this policy. All signed medication consent forms are to be maintained by the school nurse. The consent form shall include authorization to administer the medication. If clients are their own legal guardian, they will be allowed to sign the permission form themselves.

 

Students or clients must have at least one dose of a new medication and be observed at home for twenty four hours before returning to school.   

 

Unless authorized to self-administer or otherwise authorized by this policy, students are not allowed to carry any medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications or any dietary supplement or other perceived health remedy not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration while at school. The parent or legal guardian shall bring the student’s medication to the school nurse. The student may bring the medication in his or her backpack. When medications are brought to the school nurse, the nurse shall document, in the presence of the parent or staff member, the quantity of the medication(s). If the medications are brought by a student, the school nurse shall ask another school employee to verify the quantity of the medication(s). Each person present shall sign a form verifying the quantity of the medication(s).

 

Medications, including those for self-administration, must be in the original container and be properly labeled with the student’s name, the ordering provider’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, frequency, and instructions for the administration of the medication (including times). All medications will be given according to labeling directions on the container. Any changes to the original prescription label directions will require a written doctor’s order. Additional information accompanying the medication shall state the purpose for the medication, its possible side effects, and any other pertinent instructions (such as special storage requirements) or warnings.

 

Schedule II medications that are brought to school shall be stored in a double-locked cabinet. Accountability of controlled medications is required. When the parent, legal guardian, or student brings the medication to the school nurse the medication will be counted and documented by at least two members of the school staff. If a parent brings the medication they will count and document with school nurse or school personnel. 

 

The parent or guardian will provide at least one week worth of the scheduled medication. Some exceptions can be made depending on the circumstance. The empty medication bottle will be placed in the student or clients backpack with a not on the outside that states “medication bottle in backpack for refill.” 

 

Over the Counter Medication (OTC) requires parent/guardian permission. Any medications not on the school’s approval OTC list requires a written order from a licensed provider. If an OTC medication must be given on a scheduled basis, a written provider order must include specific times it is to be administered. 

 

The Sunshine School’s registered nurse is responsible for creating procedures for the administration of medications on and off campus.

 

The school shall not keep outdated medications or any medications past the end of the school year. Parents shall be notified ten (10) days in advance of the school’s intention to dispose of any medication. Medications not picked up by the parents or legal guardians within the ten (10) day period shall be disposed of by the school nurse following current law and rules.

 

 

In the event of a medication error, the Sunshine School nurse will:

1. Notify the prescribing physician and follow his/her directions for appropriate intervention.

2. Notify the parent or legal guardian.

3. Complete the medication error form and provide copies for the student or client’s file and director.

 

Schedule II Medications

Option 1: The only Schedule II medications that shall be allowed to be brought to the school are methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin or closely related medications as determined by the school nurse), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), and amphetamine sulfate (e.g., Adderall or closely related medications as determined by the school nurse).

Option 2: Students taking Schedule II medications methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin or closely related medications as determined by the school nurse), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), and amphetamine sulfate (e.g., Adderall or closely related medications as determined by the school nurse) shall be allowed to attend school.

Students taking Schedule II medications not included in the previous sentence shall be allowed to bring them to school under the provisions of this policy and shall be permitted to attend and participate in classes only to the extent the student’s doctor has specifically authorized such attendance and participation.

 

 Self-Administration of Medication

Students who have written permission from their parent or guardian and a licensed health care practitioner on file with the Sunshine School may:

1. Self-administer: Rescue inhaler;

A student is prohibited from sharing, transferring, or in any way diverting the student’s medications to any other person. The fact that a student with a completed consent form on file is allowed to carry a rescue inhaler does not require the student to have such on the student’s person. The parent or guardian of a student or client who qualifies under this policy to self-carry a rescue inhaler on the student’s or client’s person shall provide the school with the appropriate medication, which shall be immediately available to the student in an emergency.

 

The parent or legal guardian of a student or client who is authorized to self-administer a stress dose medication shall sign an IHP developed by the school nurse for the school where the student or client is enrolled. The IHP shall include a requirement for the notification of appropriate staff following the self-administration of a stress dose medication, which shall include the school nurse, a teacher of the classroom where the stress dose medication was administered, and a school administrator.

Students who have a current consent form on file shall be allowed to carry and self-administer such medication while:

● In school;

● At an on-site school-sponsored activity;

● While traveling to or from school; or

● At an off-site school-sponsored activity.

 

A student is prohibited from sharing, transferring, or in any way diverting the student’s medications to any other person. The fact that a student with a completed consent form on file is allowed to carry a rescue inhaler,; auto-injectable or nasal spray epinephrine,; diabetes medication,; stress dose medication,; or combination does not require the student to have such on the student’s person. The parent or guardian of a student who qualifies under this policy to self-carry a rescue inhaler,; auto-injectable or nasal spray epinephrine,; diabetes medication,; stress dose medication,; or any combination on the student’s person shall provide the school with the appropriate medication, which shall be immediately available to the student in an emergency.

 

Students may possess and use a topical sunscreen that is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for OTC use to avoid overexposure to the sun without written authorization from a parent, legal guardian, or healthcare professional while the student is on school property or at a school-related event or activity. The parent or guardian of a student may provide written documentation authorizing specifically named Sunshine School employee(s), in addition to the school nurse, to assist a student in the application of sunscreen. The Sunshine employee(s) named in the parent or legal guardian’s written authorization shall not be required to assist the student in the application of sunscreen.

 

Emergency Administration of Glucagon and Insulin

Students or clients may be administered Glucagon, insulin, or both in emergencies by the school nurse or, in the absence of the school nurse, a trained volunteer school employee designated as a care provider, provided the student has:

1. An IHP that provides for the administration of Glucagon, insulin, or both in emergencies; and

2. A current, valid consent form on file from their parent or guardian.

 

When the nurse is unavailable, the trained volunteer school employee who is responsible for a student shall be released from other duties during:

A. The time scheduled for a dose of insulin in the student’s IHP; and

B. Glucagon or non-scheduled insulin administration once other staff have relieved him/her from other duties until a parent, guardian, other responsible adult, or medical personnel has arrived.

 

Emergency Administration of Epinephrine

The school nurse or other trained school employees designated by the school nurse as a care provider who have been trained and certified by a licensed physician may administer epinephrine, either through an auto-injector or nasal spray, in emergencies to students who have an IHP that provides for the administration of epinephrine in emergency situations.

 

The parent/guardian of a student or client who has an authorizing IHP, shall annually complete and sign a written consent form provided by the student's school nurse authorizing the nurse or other school employee(s) certified to administer auto-injector epinephrine to administer auto-injector or nasal spray epinephrine to the student when the employee believes the student is having a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

 

This epinephrine will be used in the event the school nurse or other school employee certified to administer epinephrine, in good faith professionally believes the student is having a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction and the student is either not self-carrying epinephrine or the nurse is unable to locate it.

 

The school nurse for the Sunshine School shall keep epinephrine on hand that are suitable for the students and clients the school serves. The school nurse or other school employee designated by the school nurse as a care provider who has been trained and certified by a licensed physician may administer epinephrine to those students or clients who the school nurse, or other school employee certified to administer auto-injector epinephrine, in good faith professionally believes is having a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

 

Emergency Administration of Albuterol

The school nurse or other school employees designated by the school nurse as a care provider who have been trained and certified by a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant may administer albuterol in emergencies to students who have an IHP that provides for the administration of albuterol in emergencies.

The parent/guardian of a student or client who has an authorizing IHP, or the student if over the age of eighteen (18), shall annually complete and sign a written consent form provided by the student's school nurse authorizing the nurse or other school employee(s) certified to administer albuterol to administer albuterol to the student or client when the employee believes the student is in perceived respiratory distress.

 

The school nurse for the Sunshine School shall keep albuterol on hand. The school nurse or other school employee designated by the school nurse as a care provider who has been trained and certified by a licensed physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant may administer albuterol to those students who the school nurse, or other school employee certified to administer albuterol, in good faith professionally believes is in perceived respiratory distress.

 

Emergency Administration of Anti-opioid

The school nurse at the Sunshine School shall keep anti-opioid injectors on hand, and the school nurse and school resource officer shall possess an anti-opioid at all times when on duty. The school nurse, other school employee, volunteer, or student may administer anti-opioid per the Sunshine School’s procedures to a student who the school nurse, or other observer, in good faith believes is having an opioid overdose.

An opioid overdose rescue kit shall be placed within all storage locations in the Sunshine Schools building that currently contain an automated external defibrillator for public use. The opioid overdose rescue kits shall be located where it is readily available to the public, be visually free of advertisement, and contain an anti-opioid.

 

Emergency Administration of Emergency Adrenal Insufficiency Medication

The school nurse or other school employees designated by the school nurse as a care provider who have been trained and certified by a licensed physician may administer an injectable emergency dose medication in emergencies to students who have an IHP that provides for the administration of an injectable emergency dose medication in emergencies.

 

The parent/guardian of a student or client who has an authorizing IHP shall annually complete and sign a written consent form provided by the student's school nurse authorizing the nurse or other school employee(s) certified to administer an injectable emergency dose medication to administer an injectable emergency dose medication to the student when the employee believes the student is having an adrenal crisis due to adrenal insufficiency.

 

The emergency injectable dose will be used in the event the school nurse or other school employee certified to administer an injectable emergency dose medication, in good faith, professionally believes the student is having an adrenal crisis due to adrenal insufficiency.

 

Seizure Disorder Medications

 

Student or clients who have been diagnosed with a seizure disorder shall have a seizure action plan that shall be a written IHP designed to acknowledge and prepare for the healthcare needs of the student or client. The student or client’s seizure action plan shall be created in collaboration between Sunshine School staff, student or client’s parent, legal guardians, person having lawful control of the student/client, or the client if they are their own legal guardian. As part of the creation of the student’s seizure action plan, the student/client’s parents, legal guardian, persons having lawful control of the student or client shall:

 

1. Provide the school with written authorization to administer the seizure medication at school;

2. Provide a written statement from the student’s healthcare provider that shall contain the following information: a. The student’s name;

b. The name and purpose of the medication;

c. The prescribed dosage;

d. The route of administration;

e. The frequency that the medication should be administered; and

f. The circumstances under which the medication should be administered;

 

3.Provide the prescribed medication to the school in its unopened, sealed package with the label affixed by the dispensing pharmacy intact, which shall be stored in a safe and secure location accessible only by the Sunshine Schools personnel or volunteers with training to administer seizure medication.

 

The written authorization, written statement, and seizure action plan shall be kept on file in the office of the school nurse or school administrator and distributed to any school personnel or volunteers responsible for the supervision or care of the student or client.