Texas Guide to School Health Services
As of March 2017, the Texas Guide to School Health Services is web based. It provides resources for school administrators, school nurses, teachers and other staff members to develop, implement and evaluate school health programs. Resources include information on school health services and programs to assist school health personnel. The guide is divided into eight sections to help with navigation.
How to access information in this guide:
Click on the headings to go to a topic of interest. Each page lists best practice resources from national agencies, Texas agencies, nursing organizations and other reputable sources. If further assistance is needed, please email the School Health Program.
Coordinated School Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Coordinated School Health (CSH) approach has been the traditional mainstay for integrating health-promoting practices in the school setting since 1987. In 2013, the CDC and ASCD introduced the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model (WSCC) to expand upon the traditional CSH approach and bring greater alignment between the education and health sectors. More information can be found about the current WSCC model, the traditional CSH approach, and Texas’ requirement for CSH programs in this section.
Health Conditions
Children come to school with a variety of health conditions. Some are acute and some are chronic in nature. School health service staff are responsible for the prevention and management of these conditions in the school setting. This section includes information on allergies, anaphylaxis, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, healthcare plans, mental health issues, traumatic brain injuries, and seizures.
Legal Issues
School health services staff need to know school health–related laws, rules, and regulations to assure the health and safety of students. This section includes links and information on student health records, HIPAA and FERPA laws, and out of hospital do-not resuscitate orders.
Professional School Nursing
School nurses serve in a pivotal role that bridges healthcare and education. As the main health contact in the school setting, school nurses address the physical, mental, emotional, and social health needs of students. The Nurse Practice Act, Texas Board of Nursing Rules and Regulations, and other resources related to school nursing and school health services roles are included in this section.
Addressing Students' Special Health Care Needs
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are laws that protect children with special healthcare and educational needs. More information about these laws, rules, and recommended practices for the management of children’s special healthcare and educational needs are included in this section.
School Health Office Resources
School health office resources include materials that are used by school health services personnel on a regular basis. This section includes information on communicable diseases, environmental health, emergency preparedness, health programming, medical assistance programs and other useful information.
School Health Services
School health services is a "coordinated system that ensures a continuum of care from school to home to community health care provider and back" (Small et al., 1995). This section includes information on bloodborne pathogen control, immunizations, medication administration, emergency response, screenings, and student safety.
Skilled Procedures
Skilled procedures are procedures carried out to help students maintain health or help students and staff in an emergency situation. The documents contained in this section outline step-by-step instructions for how to address and perform healthcare tasks in the school setting. This section includes sample administrative guidelines, procedure checklists, problem lists, and physician’s order forms for various health conditions.