Kent County Maryland Health Department Child and School Health Services
Kent County Maryland Health Department Child and School Health Services

Kent County Maryland Health Department Child and School Health ServicesKent County Maryland Health Department Child and School Health Services

School Health Services
Infants and Toddlers Program

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

The School Health Nurses are employed by the Kent County Health Department and work in the public schools.  A few of the services provided by the program are:
 
  Vision and hearing screenings for students upon school entry, 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 8th grades
  Health assessments
  Emergency first aid

  

Medication administration and other physician prescribed services
  Health counseling and referral
 
School Health Offices:
Garnett Elementary (410) 778-8486
Millington Elementary (410) 928-3615
Rock Hall Elementary  (410) 639-2787
Worton Elementary      (410) 778-3484
Galena Middle (410) 648-5042
Chestertown Middle          (410) 778-6901
Rock Hall Middle (410) 639-2786
Kent County High School (410) 778-7112  
Kent County Health Department
School Health Office
(410) 778-7919 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

    Q.  What if my child needs medication in school?
 

        ANSWER:
Medication may not be given in school until the school nurse receives written orders from the student's physician/dentist. A parent or guardian signature is also required. This applies to both prescription and over the counter medications including inhalers, ointments, ear/eye drops, Tylenol, etc.

  • Medications must be stored at school in the original prescription container with clear and precise labeling that matches the written order.
     
  • Parents must ensure the safe delivery of medications to school. (Students are not allowed to carry medications with them.)
     
  • The first dose of the medication must be given at home.
     
  • Medication permission forms are available at the schools. CLICK HERE FOR FORM.
     
  • All questions regarding medications should be directed to the school nurse.
     

 

     Q.  Does my child need a physical examination before starting
           school for the first time?


ANSWER:
According to Public School Law 552, "a physical examination shall be required of each child entering the Maryland Public Schools for the first time". The examination must be completed within the period of nine months after entrance.
 

     Q.  What immunizations will my child need for school?


ANSWER:
The required immunizations for school are based upon the child's age. Maryland State Department of Education requires that all students have an official written immunization record on file in the school. Students that do not comply with this requirement will be excluded from school until the parent / guardian obtains the documentation.  For detailed information consult your school nurse.
 

     Q. When should I keep my child home because of illness?
 

      ANSWER:
We all agree that students need to be in school to learn. However, in order for our children to perform well they need to be healthy. There are some basic guidelines we use to determine when to send students home and that can assist you to know when to keep them out of school.

To minimize the spread of illness, do not send your child to school if they have:

 

  • Diarrhea

  • Vomiting

  • Uncontrolled coughing

  • Trouble breathing

  • Fever

If a child has had a fever they should remain at home until fever free for at least 24 hours. If your child has an infectious illness which requires medication (i.e. strep throat, pink eye) the child should have received medication for 24 hours before returning to school. If your child has been injured at home and you believe the injury requires medical attention, please contact your private provider. We cannot diagnose medical conditions.  

 

     Q. How can I decrease the chance of my child becoming ill?
 

      ANSWER:

A.  Many illnesses seen in the school settings also occur in the community. The risk of acquiring a disease in school is no greater than the risk of working in an office, going to the grocery store or attending church. Washing hands with soap and running water for 15-30 seconds and drying with disposable paper towels is the single most important technique for preventing the spread of disease.
 

   

     Q. When will my child be sent home from school due to illness?  

 ANSWER:
When your child is sent to the health room feeling ill, we will check your child's temperature and assess his/her complaints. If your child has a temperature of 100 degrees or above, you will be requested to pick your child up from school. The same request will be made if your child has vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained rash, illness or injury that cannot be handled at school. If there are no obvious signs of illness, he/she will be asked to return to class and come back if necessary. Often minor aches and complaints do subside after a visit to the Health Room. If your child needs special consideration (due to recent illness, injury or unusual stress) please let us know by calling or sending a note to school.
 

 

 
INFANTS AND TODDLERS PROGRAM

The Infants and Toddlers Program provides evaluation, coordination and a single point of entry for children birth to three years old with developmental delays and special needs.  This program is in conjunction with the Kent County Public Schools.  Physicians or parents can make referrals for evaluation.
Cost:
The program utilizes a variety of public and private funding sources most of which are at no cost to the family.
Contact:
For more information about the Infants and Toddlers Program call:
Linda Reed RN, BSN
(410) 778-7919

 
The Kent County Infants and Toddlers Program affirms equal opportunity in principle and practice.  

 

 

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