School Health

School Health Services Program Overview

School health services ensure that school children are healthy and ready to learn. The presence of the school nurse can relieve teachers of monitoring and attending to student health needs, so they are free to devote all their time to educating students. School health programs also afford parents the peace of mind in knowing that their child’s health needs will be handled by a trained health professional during the school day.

The Florida Department of Health in Clay County (DOH-Clay) provides oversight of the School Health Services Program in cooperation with the Clay County District Schools (CCDS). The DOH-Clay School Health Program is staffed by a School Health Registered Nurse Supervisor, and four School Health Registered Nurses. The CCDS - School Health Services Program has a Supervisor of Nursing Services who handles administrative aspects of the program to promote student health for academic success. Two ESE Registered Nurses ensure “related services,” such as, school health and nursing services are provided to students who meet exceptional student education eligibility criteria. The CCDS employs one to three school health personnel at each school, consisting of Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Clinic Health Assistants, depending on the health needs of the school population. 

What kinds of services do students need during the school day?
Many students come to school with health conditions that may interfere with their ability to learn and reach their full potential. Allergies, Asthma, Diabetes, infections, injuries, and emotional difficulties related to these illnesses may lead to absences from school, and in some cases, academic failure if left unattended or not addressed properly. The school nurse is a valuable partner in ensuring that students are healthy, safe, and prepared to learn. 

School Health Services Totals