HEALTH & SAFETY
What the school needs from you, what to do when your child is unwell, and who to talk to. For the medical requirements themselves we point at NYC Public Schools rather than restate them.
Check your child's immunizations are up to date.
New York State sets the requirements and they change from year to year. The current schedule is on the state health website — if you're not sure, your pediatrician can confirm in a phone call.
Submit a new health form
If your child needs any medication or medical care during the school day, submit a new health form. Inhalers, EpiPens, diabetes care, anything at all. The form does not carry over from last year — it has to be renewed every September, and until it's in, our nurse cannot administer anything.
Every September, two things
Never send medication in a backpack. It has to come to the main office, in its original labelled packaging, with the signed form.
When to keep your child home
The general rule is a fever over 100.4°F, vomiting, diarrhea, or a child too unwell to take part in the day.
| What to do | |
|---|---|
| Reporting an absence | Call the main office at (718) 834-6744, or email the School Nurse |
| Returning after illness | A doctor's note records the absence as excused |
| Coming back with a cast, crutches or medication | Let the office know before they return, so the nurse can plan for it |
| Your child feels unwell during the day | The school will contact you — keep your emergency contact details current with the office |
Allergies
Anaphylaxis has its own form, separate from the general health request, and it also renews annually. If your child carries an EpiPen, the nurse needs the form, the medication and a conversation before day one - not on the first morning.
Head lice
New York City schools have a “no head lice” policy which means that any student who has live lice in their hair or scalp is not allowed to attend school until they have received treatment. Following treatment, a child will be allowed back in school if their hair is free of live lice upon re-inspection.
Head lice is common, not a sign of poor hygiene, and not dangerous. Lice pass by direct head contact or shared hats, bedding and hairbrushes — they cannot jump, hop, fly or swim.
Itching at the back of the head or behind the ears is the usual first sign. Many effective creams and shampoos are available over the counter or by prescription from your doctor. Comb wet hair with a fine-toothed comb and repeat after a week to catch anything that hatches.
Who to ask
| Who | |
|---|---|
| Medication at school, health forms, allergies, a child who feels unwell | School Nurse |
| A 504 for health accommodations | 504 Coordinator (Health) |
| Immunization records and enrolment paperwork | Community Associate |