Health Conditions
Allergic Reactions
The San Juan Unified School District is aware that allergic reactions, typically caused by exposure to substances where a student is allergic, can be life threatening, resulting in anaphylaxis. Typical allergy sources are: food like tree nuts, environment like grass or dust, insects like bee stings, medicines like penicillin, and latex. The risk of accidental exposure to these allergens can be reduced in the school setting when school staff, students, parents/guardians, and physicians work together to minimize risks and provide a safe environment.
Ed. Code § 49403, 49414, 49423, 49423.5 and 49423.6. District Policy 5141.21. California Code of Regulations Title 8: 5193)
Asthma
Asthma is one of the leading chronic illnesses among children and adolescents in the United States. When children are exposed to triggers - such as: smoke, dust, outdoor pollution, and many others, an asthmatic episode can occur. Asthma can be controlled by avoiding these triggers and taking medications prescribed by a health care provider, if needed. Asthma is common but treatable using treament based on current scientific knowledge by reducing illness and future episodes.
Effective asthma management at school and during school-related activities requires a team approach which includes the family, the child's health care provider (if needed), the school nurse and other school personnel, which includes, but is not limited to, the child's teacher(or counselor), principal and office staff.
Contagious Diseases
A child may be sent home if, for good reason, he or she is believed to be suffering from a recognized communicable/contagious/infectious disease. The child shall not be permitted to return until school authorities are satisfied that the student is no longer contagious or infectious.
Education Code § 48211
Diabetes
The San Juan Unified School District is aware that the incidence of diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2 is increasing in the school age population. A student with Type 1 Diabetes requires frequent monitoring and treatment throughout the school day. Diabetes management is vital for the immediate safety and long-term health of students with diabetes. Effective diabetes management at school and during school-related activities requires a team approach which includes the family, the child's diabetes health care provider, the school nurse and other school personnel, which includes, but is not limited to, the child's teacher(or counselor), principal and office staff.
Head Injury
Any one of our students could take a spill, knock his/her head, and get a concussion in any number of school settings ranging from the hallway, the playground, the cafeteria, and beyond. It is best practice to follow the appropriate steps to maintain the safety and health of students when a possible concussion occurs.
A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems to be a mild bump to the head can be serious. Concussions can have a more serious effect on a young, developing brain and need to be addressed correctly.
Seizures and Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a common disorder of the brain that causes recurring seizures. Epilepsy affects people of all ages, but children and older adults are more likely to have epilepsy. Seizures are the main sign of epilepsy and most people can control this with treatment. Some seizures can look like staring spells while other seizures can cause a person to collapse, stiffen or shake, and become unaware of what’s going on around them. Many times the cause is unknown.
Picture a school with 1,000 students—that means about 6 students would have epilepsy. For many children, epilepsy is easily controlled with medication and they can do what all the other kids can do, and perform as well academically. For others, it can be more challenging.
Compared with students with other health concerns, a CDC study shows that students aged 6–17 years with epilepsy were more likely to miss 11 or more days of school in the past year. Also, students with epilepsy were more likely to have difficulties in school, use special education services, and have activity limitations such as less participation in sports or clubs compared with students with other medical conditions.