| Policy |
SCHOOL ENTRANCE, IMMUNIZATION AND SCREENING REQUIREMENTS
A. The parents or guardian must present at the time of registration of their child in any school program evidence that their child is protected by adequate immunization against (1) diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, hemophilus influenzae Type B, varicella (for children born on or after January 1, 1997);(2) for children born on or after January 1, 1994, Hepatitis B, and (3) by any other vaccines required by the schedule for active immunization adopted pursuant to §19a-7f of the Connecticut General Statutes, before being permitted to attend such school program. Before being permitted to enter seventh grade, a child shall receive a second immunization against measles. Any child who (1) presents a physician's certificate stating the child has received initial immunizations and that additional immunizations are to be administered; or (2) presents a certificate from a physician stating that in the opinion of such physician, immunizations are medically contraindicated because of the physical condition of the child; or (3) presents a statement from the parents or guardian that such immunization would be contrary to the religious beliefs of their child; or (4) in the case of measles, presents a physician's or town health director's certificate stating that the child has had a confirmed case of such disease; or (5) in the case of hemophilus influenza Type B, has passed his/her fifth birthday; or (6) in the case of pertussis, has passed his/her sixth birthday; or (7) in the case of Hepatitis B, has had protection against Hepatitis B confirmed in writing by a physician based on specific blood testing conducted by a certified laboratory, shall be exempt from the appropriate provision of this policy. If the parents or guardians of any children are unable to pay for such immunizations, the expense of such immunizations, shall, on the recommendations of the Board of Education, be paid by the town.
B. In addition, it is required that each child have a health assessment prior to public school enrollment. The assessment shall include: (1) a physical examination including hematocrit or hemoglobin tests, height, weight and blood pressure; (2) an updating of immunizations as required by this policy; (3) vision, hearing, speech, postural and gross dental screenings; and (4) chronic disease assessment; and (5) such other information including health and development history, as the physician performing the assessment feels is necessary and appropriate. The assessment shall also include tests for tuberculosis, sickle cell anemia or Cooley's anemia and tests for lead levels in the blood where the Board determines after consultation with the school medical advisor and the local health department that such tests are necessary.
C. In addition, it is required that each child enrolled in the public schools have a health assessment in grade six and in grade ten. This assessment shall include: (1) a physical examination including hematocrit or hemoglobin tests, height, weight and blood pressure; (2) an updating of immunizations as required by this policy; (3) vision, hearing, postural and gross dental screenings; and (4) such other information, including a health history, as the physician performing the assessment feels is necessary and appropriate. The assessment shall also include tests for tuberculosis, sickle cell anemia or Cooley's anemia where the Board determines after consultation with the school medical advisor and the local health department that such tests are necessary. The Board of Education shall provide for health assessments pursuant to this section without charge to all pupils whose parents or guardians meet the eligibility requirements for free and reduced price meals under the National School Lunch Program or for free milk under the special milk program. To meet its obligations pursuant to this section, the Board may utilize existing community resources and services.
D. Consistent with and in addition to Section C of this Policy, the Board shall
provide annually to each pupil in kindergarten, grades one through six, inclusive, and grade nine, a vision screening, using a Snellen chart, or equivalent screening. The Board shall also provide annually audiometric screening for hearing to each pupil in kindergarten to grade three, inclusive, grade five and grade eight. The Board shall also provide annual postural screenings for each pupil in grades five to nine. The school nurse shall give written notice to the parent or guardian of each pupil who is found to have a defect, impairment, or disease by any of these screenings, with a brief statement describing any such defect, impairment or disease.
E. Nothing in Sections B, C, and D shall be construed to require any pupil to
undergo a physical or medical examination or treatment, or to be compelled to receive medical instruction, if the parent or legal guardian of such pupil or the pupil, if such pupil is an emancipated minor or is eighteen years of age or older, in writing, notifies the teacher or principal or other person in charge of such pupil that such parent or guardian or pupil objects, on religious grounds, to such physical or medical examination or treatment or medical instruction.
F. Health assessments shall be conducted by a legally qualified practitioner
of medicine, an advanced practice registered nurse or licensed registered nurse, a licensed physician assistant, or by the school medical adviser to ascertain whether such pupil is suffering from any physical disability tending to prevent such pupil from receiving the full benefit of school work and to ascertain whether such school work should be modified in order to prevent injury to the pupil or to secure for the pupil a suitable program of education. No health assessment shall be made of any child enrolled in the public schools unless such examination is made in the presence of the parent or guardian or in the presence of another school employee. The parent or guardian of such child shall receive prior written notice and shall have a reasonable opportunity to be present at such assessment or to provide for such assessment himself. A local or regional board of education may deny continued attendance in public school to any child who fails to obtain the health assessments required under this policy.
G. The Board of Education may require additional pre-school screening for initial entry and kindergarten enrollment.
H. Children entering the Board's schools for the first time must present, at the
time of registration, proof of age, evidence of legal residence, and must meet the requirements for immunization and health assessment as stated above.
Legal References:
Connecticut General Statutes
§10-204a
§10-206
§10-206a
§10-208
§10-214 |