Support and Resources
SB County COVID-19 Information & Updates
Home Isolation instructions Spanish Home Isolation instructions Home quarantine instructions Spanish Home quarantine instructions Testing Sites SB County Public Health Department - Schools COVID-19 Illness and Quarantine Guidelines Quarantine Timelines
Community CPR & First Aid Classes:
Credentialed School Nurse
The Credentialed School Nurse is a bachelor’s degree prepared Registered Nurse, Public Health Nurse licensed by the California Board of Registered Nursing and credentialed as a school nurse by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
The Credentialed School Nurse uses the nursing process, clinical expertise and professional judgment to design and implement health services programs that ensure that all students will receive the optimum benefit from their educational experience. This is accomplished by working collaboratively with students, families, teachers, other members of the multidisciplinary team, and utilizing resources within the community, to meet the physical, mental, emotional and social health needs of students.
Health Office Staff (Health Assistant or LVN)
Under the direction of the assigned administrator and the professional direction of a licensed credentialed school nurse, the health office staff performs specialized physical health care services for pupils with disabilities and chronic health problems. The site health office staff is also available to provide basic first aid to students who present to the health office.
First Grade Physicals
All students need to have a complete health exam 18 months before or up to 90 days after enrolling in first grade (Health and Safety Code 124085). The exam results must be provided to the schools on the
English & Spanish Report of Health Examination for School Entry Form (PM 171 A)
which is also available through the local CHDP program, schools, and provider offices.
The completed exam is due no later than December of the first grade year.
Immunizations
Required Immunizations For School Entry
Spanish Required Immunizations For School Entry
Whooping cough booster shot requirement & FAQs
For more information, visit ShotsForSchool.org
LOCAL IMMUNIZATION SOURCES
American Indian Health & Services
4141 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 681-7356
Santa Barbara County Public Health
Franklin Clinic
1136 East Montecito Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 568-2099
Eastside Neighborhood Clinic
915 N. Milpas St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 963-1641
Westside Neighborhood Medical Clinic
628 W Micheltorena St
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 963-1546
Isla Vista Neighborhood Clinic
970 Embarcadero Del Mar
Isla Vista, CA 93117
(805) 968-1511
Medication at School
In accordance with California Education Code Section 49423, the following must be provided if you and your child’s physician determine that medication(s) must be taken during the school day or during school sponsored trips/outings/events.
- An Authorization to Administer Medication(s) form is required for ALL medications, prescription and over-the-counter.
- The Authorization to Administer Medication(s) form must be completed by BOTH the parent/guardian and the physician BEFORE they can be administered.
- Medications are kept in a locked cabinet in the Health Office unless the physician and parent authorized the student to carry and self-administer without assistance or supervision.
- If the medication is to be carried and self-administered by the student, he/she must read and sign the Student Statement at the bottom of the form.
- A new Authorization to Administer Medication(s) form must be completed whenever a change occurs.
- The Authorization to Administer Medication(s) form must be renewed annually at the beginning of every school year.
- Medication must be provided by the parent/guardian in the original, labeled container. Prescription medications must have the original pharmacy label, which includes the student name, physician name, medication name, medication dose/strength, and specific administration directions.*Medications will NOT be accepted in unlabeled containers, in baggies, or transferred from another container.
- Medications should be brought to school by the parent/guardian or other authorized adult. Medication should not be sent to school with the student.
- It is the parent/guardian responsibility to maintain an adequate supply of medication to ensure no disruption in the student’s medication regime at school.
- ALL medications must be picked up by the parent/guardian or other authorized adult, the last week of school. Medications left at the school will be disposed of by the Health Assistant or the District Nurse.
- If an Authorization to Administer Medication(s) form is suspected to be forged, the medical provider and site administrator will be notified at a minimum. Falsifying a medical provider signature or medication form is illegal and reportable. All future Authorization to Administer Medication(s) forms will be required to be sent to the school directly from the medical provider and parents will be required to come to the school site to sign the form.
Forms - Authorization to Administer Medication(s) form
Vision & Hearing Screening
VISION SCREENING
Students receive vision screenings during the kindergarten year or upon first enrollment in an elementary school, and in grades 2, 5, and 8. For male students, color vision is be tested one time, in grade 2. Any visual defects found as a result of the vision examination will be reported to the parent/guardian with a request that remedial action be taken to address the defect.
HEARING SCREENING
Students receive hearing screenings from a credentialed school audiometrist during the kindergarten year or upon first enrollment in an elementary school, and in grades 2, 5, and 8. Students who do not pass their first screening will be given a threshold test no less than two weeks after the screening exam. Referrals will be made after this.
Oral Health
Students in their first year in public school must submit proof of oral health assessments. The assessments must be performed by a licensed or registered dental health professional, and proof of assessment is due on an annual basis by May 31. The oral health assessment form is available at your child’s school office.
DENTAL CLINICS
East Side Dental Clinic
923 N. Milpas St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
(805) 884-1998
American Indian Health & Services Dental Clinic
4141 State Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 696-1002
Type II Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in adults.
- Until a few years ago, type 2 diabetes was rare in children, but it is becoming more common, especially for overweight teens.
- According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three American children born after 2000 will develop type 2 diabetes in his or her lifetime.
Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body is able to use sugar (glucose) for energy.
- The body turns the carbohydrates in food into glucose, the basic fuel for the body’s cells.
- The pancreas makes insulin, a hormone that moves glucose from the blood to the cells.
- In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells resist the effects of insulin, and blood glucose levels rise.
- Over time, glucose reaches dangerously high levels in the blood, which is called hyperglycemia.
- Hyperglycemia can lead to health problems like heart disease, blindness, and kidney failure.
RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES
It is recommended that students displaying or possibly experiencing the risk factors and warning signs associated with type 2 diabetes be screened (tested) for the disease.
Researchers do not completely understand why some people develop type 2 diabetes and others do not; however, the following risk factors are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in children:
- Being overweight. The single greatest risk factor for type 2 diabetes in children is excess weight. In the U.S., almost one out of every five children is overweight. The chances are more than double that an overweight child will develop diabetes.
- Family history of diabetes. Many affected children and youth have at least one parent with diabetes or have a significant family history of the disease.
- Inactivity. Being inactive further reduces the body’s ability to respond to insulin.
- Specific racial/ethnic groups. Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, or Asian/Pacific Islanders are more prone than other ethnic groups to develop type 2 diabetes.
- Puberty. Young people in puberty are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than younger children, probably because of normal rises in hormone levels that can cause insulin resistance during this stage of rapid growth and physical development.
WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES
Warning signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes in children develop slowly, and initially there may be no symptoms. However, not everyone with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes develops these warning signs, and not everyone who has these symptoms necessarily has type 2 diabetes.
- Increased hunger, even after eating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Increased thirst, dry mouth, and frequent urination
- Feeling very tired
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of sores or cuts
- Dark velvety or ridged patches of skin, especially on the back of the neck or under the arms
- Irregular periods, no periods, and/or excess facial and body hair growth in girls
- High blood pressure or abnormal blood fats levels
TYPE 2 DIABETES PREVENTION METHODS AND TREATMENTS
Healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. Even with a family history of diabetes, eating healthy foods in the correct amounts and exercising regularly can help children achieve or maintain a normal weight and normal blood glucose levels.
- Eat healthy foods. Make wise food choices. Eat foods low in fat and calories.
- Get more physical activity. Increase physical activity to at least 60 minutes every day.
- Take medication. If diet and exercise are not enough to control the disease, it may be necessary to treat type 2 diabetes with medication.
The first step in treating type 2 diabetes is to visit a doctor. A doctor can determine if a child is overweight based on the child’s age, weight, and height. A doctor can also request tests of a child’s blood glucose to see if the child has diabetes or pre-diabetes (a condition which may lead to type 2 diabetes).
TYPES OF DIABETES SCREENING TESTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE
- Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. A blood test measures the average blood sugar level over two to three months. An A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
- Random (non-fasting) blood sugar test. A blood sample is taken at a random time. A random blood sugar level of 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher suggests diabetes. This test must be confirmed with a fasting blood glucose test.
- Fasting blood sugar test. A blood sample is taken after an overnight fast. A fasting blood sugar level less than 100 mg/dL is normal. A level of 100 to 125 mg/dL is considered pre-diabetes. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
- Oral glucose tolerance test. A test measuring the fasting blood sugar level after an overnight fast with periodic testing for the next several hours after drinking a sugary liquid. A reading of more than 200 mg/dL after two hours indicates diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes in children is a preventable/treatable disease and the guidance provided in this information sheet is intended to raise awareness about this disease. Contact your student’s school nurse, school administrator, or health care provider if you have questions.
REFERENCES:
Whooping Cough Booster Shot Requirement
Whooping cough (pertussis) has been widespread in California. Many students have had to miss school because they were sick.
To help protect your children and others from whooping cough, California law now requires students to be vaccinated against whooping cough.
All new students and those entering 7th grade will need proof of an adolescent whooping cough booster shot (Tdap) before starting school.
By law, students who do not have proof of receiving a Tdap booster shot will not be able to start school until proof is provided to the school. (The tetanus-diphtheria booster shot, Td, will not meet the requirement.)
We want to make sure your child starts school on time. We urge you to:
- Read the Frequently Asked Questions below.
- Get your child’s Tdap shot now if your child hasn’t received it already.
- A large number of students need a Tdap shot between now and the start of school next year. Make an appointment with your child’s doctor or clinic for your child to get a Tdap booster shot now. Avoid the back-to-school rush.
- Bring a COPY of the proof of immunization to your child’s school.
- Most of our schools are not open or are on a reduced schedule in the summer. Bring a COPY of your child’s immunization to your child’s school as soon as possible.
Getting the adolescent whooping cough shot now will not only help protect your child against the ongoing threat of whooping cough but will also meet the new school requirement.
If you have any questions, please contact Student Services at (805) 963-4338, extension 6278 or 6276.
Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by the California Department of Public Health
WHAT IS THE TDAP REQUIREMENT FOR 7TH – 12TH GRADERS?
In July 2011, a new law (AB 354) changing California immunization requirements for all students in 7th-12th grades went into effect. The law requires all students entering 7th grade and any new students transferring into grades 8-12 to show proof of a Tdap shot to start school. Limited exemptions are allowed.
WHAT IS TDAP?
Tdap is a booster vaccine for older children, adolescents, and adults. It safely protects against 3 dangerous diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough (also called pertussis).
WHY WAS THE TDAP REQUIREMENT ADDED?
This new requirement will help protect your child and others in your school and community from whooping cough. Whooping cough is a serious disease that causes coughing fits that can last for months. It can be deadly for infants. In recent years, whooping cough has been increasing in the United States. In 2010, whooping cough was widespread in California.
WHAT ARE THE DISEASES, TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA AND PERTUSSIS (WHOOPING COUGH)?
- Tetanus – (also called lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles. It can lead to “locking” of the jaw so the person cannot open his/her mouth or swallow.
- Diphtheria – is a throat infection that can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death.
- Whooping cough – (also called pertussis) is a contagious disease that causes violent coughing fits that make it hard to breathe. It spreads easily when someone with the disease coughs or sneezes. Symptoms can last for months. Whooping cough is very dangerous for young babies.
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD GET VACCINATED?
Children as young as 10 years old are recommended to get vaccinated with Tdap. This will protect them against the ongoing threat of whooping cough and will meet the Tdap school requirement for when they are in 7th grade.
Keep documentation of your child’s Tdap booster shot in a safe place. Your child will need proof of immunization in order to start school.
WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS HAD WHOOPING COUGH RECENTLY OR IN THE PAST?
Your child will still need a Tdap booster shot. Immunity developed after having whooping cough disease wears off, leaving your child at risk for getting whooping cough again. A Tdap booster shot is needed to both protect your child in the future and to meet the school requirement.
WHY SHOULD MY CHILD GET VACCINATED?
In addition to it being a new requirement for starting school, children who get a Tdap booster shot will be better protected during their school years. Immunization also helps to protect others within the home, in the community, and at school.
Immunizations help to prevent school closures. Many schools in California have suffered from outbreaks of whooping cough. Students got very sick and parents missed work and lost wages to care for their sick children. In some cases, schools had to close because there were not enough healthy teachers to keep schools open.
WHERE CAN MY CHILD GET VACCINATED?
Children should visit their regular doctor or health care provider to get their Tdap shot. Children 18 years old and younger who are uninsured or underinsured may qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program. To find a provider near you, call 1-877-243-8832 or visit: www.eziz.org. Some local pharmacies and Health Departments may also offer the Tdap vaccine.
WHAT IF MY CHILD DOES NOT HAVE PROOF OF A TDAP SHOT BEFORE SCHOOL STARTS?
He/She may not start school. Any student who does not have proof of getting a Tdap booster shot will not be allowed to start school until proof of immunization is given to the school.
ARE IMMUNIZATION EXEMPTIONS ALLOWED UNDER CALIFORNIA LAW?
The same exemptions for children entering kindergarten apply. For more information, visit the Immunization Law page at www.shotsforschool.org.
WHAT IF MY CHILD HAS RECEIVED A TDAP BOOSTER SHOT BEFORE 10 YEARS OF AGE?
Your child will be considered to have met the new school requirement with proof of getting a dose of Tdap on or after their 7th birthday. However, we recommend that children receive Tdap on or after their 10th birthday to provide better protection throughout their adolescent years.
WHAT OTHER IMMUNIZATIONS SHOULD I CONSIDER FOR MY CHILD?
Preteens and teens are also recommended to receive vaccines against meningococcal disease (brain or blood infection), flu (influenza), HPV (human papillomavirus, a cause of cervical cancer), and any vaccine they may have missed during childhood. The recommended vaccine schedule may be found on the California Department of Public Health website. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information.
SHOULD PARENTS AND OTHERS AT HOME GET THE TDAP VACCINE?
All persons 10 years and older are recommended to be vaccinated with Tdap now if they haven’t done so to protect them against the ongoing threat of pertussis. Immunization also helps to protect close contacts, including young infants for whom pertussis is most severe and sometimes fatal.
WHERE CAN I GO FOR MORE INFORMATION?
For more information, visit the California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch website.