School Health Services

Community Health Services works with parents, teachers, community groups and other agencies in a comprehensive approach to improve child and student health and educational success.

Nursing

• Enhance the health of students, families and staff regarding tobacco reduction, injury prevention, healthy eating, active living and mental health by working in a partnership to identify and respond to issues that affect their health
• Provide health education in areas such as sexuality, hygiene and body image
• Assess student health needs (unless parent notifies school otherwise)
• Assist/ link with referrals to other agencies
• Screen for vision and hearing concerns upon request
• Support to teachers in presenting their core health education
  curriculum
• Provide consultation, information and access to educational resources for teachers

Immunization and Communicable Disease Control

• Kindergarten immunization provided at Public Health Centres prior to the beginning of the school year for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox)
• Grade 1 immunization for children who have not had a booster dose of diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chickenpox) in Kindergarten
• Grade 5 hepatitis B immunization program
• Grade 5 varicella (chickenpox) immunization program for children who have not had  chickenpox disease or vaccine
• Grade 9 immunization booster for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough)
• Tuberculosis Skin Testing for students who have come from an endemic area within the past year
• Communicable disease follow-up for students and staff
• Infection control consultation
• Influenza disease surveillance in selected schools

Speech and Language

• Assessment and treatment services focusing on early elementary children with communication disorders including: 
  • pronunciation
  • language - understanding and using language for learning, conversing and expressing ideas
  • fluency - speaking easily and smoothly
  • voice - using a vocal quality with appropriate pitch and loudness
• Workshops, consultation, whole class sessions and home programs may be provided to school staff/ parents.  Direct therapy with an SLP or SLP Assistant may be provided if warranted. 
• Home/ school support is essential to help the student practice new speech/ language skills.
• Children with severe speech and language concerns who qualify for Alberta Education coding, should be referred to Edmonton Regional Educational Consulting Services. 
• After January 15, principals are requested to discuss new referrals with the SLP.  These referrals will be addressed as scheduling permits. 
  

Dental Health in designated schools

• Dental screenings and fluoride varnish will be provided to students in Kindergarten-Grade 6,
  (Tier I classification).
• Dental screenings will be provided to students in Kindergarten-Grade 4, (Tier II classification).
• Follow up with parents of students who need treatment will be provided. 
  

Dental Health in all schools

• Support will be provided for school staff and parents on meeting dental health needs. 
  

Rehabilitation

• Respiratory – Asthma Education Program Roaring Adventures of Puff (RAP) can be provided in schools for kids with asthma.  Consists of 6 sessions conducted during the school lunch hour. Topics include signs & symptoms, triggers, medications (why, when & how to use), staying active with asthma and more.   Contact 413-5140 for more information. 
• Occupational Therapy – Occupational therapy services for school age children are funded by the various Student Health Initiatives and may be available throughout the school districts. For more information regarding OT services in your school please contact your school principal or call 413-7684. 
  
  
  Note: To access any of the above services please contact your child's school.  2006-2007

Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)