School Health Program
The primary focus of school health is wellness, with the emphasis on preventive service and health promotion activities. The New Haven Department of Health Bureau of Nursing is delegated the responsibility for maintaining school nursing services by the Board of Education. The Bureau of Nursing provides health services to approximately 26,000 students in grades Pre-K through Grade 12 in both the public and non-public schools.
The Bureau of Nursing can be reached for any questions or concerns regarding school health, health requirements, or school nursing at 203-946-7301 or on the web at https://www.newhavenct.gov/gov/depts/health/divisions/nursing.htm
Role of the School Nurse
The school nurse ensures that students are healthy enough to learn and minimizes the time lost in school due to illness or other prolonged disability. This is accomplished through proper assessment, referral and follow-up care, as well as appropriate communication with the student's health care provider. Often the school nurse is the only consistent health professional the student sees, allowing the nurse to advocate for students and helping them develop a healthy lifestyle.
Physical Assessment Requirements
Please be aware that your child will not be allowed to attend school if the following requirements are not met. Please call the Health Department, Bureau of Nursing at 203-946-7301 with any questions you may have regarding school health requirements.
Before school starts, completed Physical Health Records can be dropped off at The Bureau of Nursing Office, 54 Meadow Street, 1st Floor.
Pre-Kindergarten-An up to date physical exam must be entered on a State of Connecticut Health Assessment form dated within one year of the student's entry. Please use the following link to download and print a Connecticut state form https://www.newhavenct.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=33076
Kindergarten-An up to date physical exam must be entered on a State of Connecticut Health Assessment form dated within one year of the student's entry. Please use the following link to download and print a Connecticut state form https://www.newhavenct.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=33076
Students entering 7th or 10th grade are also required to have an updated physical exam and immunizations per Connecticut state law. Students entering New Haven Public Schools are also required to present a current physical exam and immunizations. These records must be presented to the Bureau of Nursing at the time of school registration for new students or no later than the first day of school for returning students. Students who do not present these records will not be allowed to attend school.
Please use the following link to download and print a Connecticut state form.
https://www.newhavenct.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=33076
Immunization Requirements
Connecticut state law requires all students to meet minimum immunization requirements for all enrolled students.
https://www.newhavenct.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?blobid=33075 (English)
Medications in School
Medication cannot be given in school unless an Authorization for Administration of Medication form is filled out by your health care provider. Medication must be brought directly to the school nurse by an adult, in the original prescription or over the counter packaging. Please do not send medications to school with your child or leave medications with school staff other than the school nurse. Medications must be reviewed by the school nurse BEFORE they can be administered in school. Please contact your child's school nurse, or the Bureau of Nursing at 203-946-7301 with any questions regarding medication policies. Please use the following link on our website to download and print an Authorization for Medication form.
Special Health and Medical Needs for Students
If your child requires medication for diabetes, seizures, allergies, asthma or another condition, please contact your school nurse to discuss an individualized healthcare plan. Please contact the Bureau of Nursing at 203-946-7301 before your child begins school. This will ensure that the school your child is attending has a nurse full time to care for your child or for other arrangements to be made. Thank you!
Necesidades Especiales de Salud: No todas las escuelas tienen la presencia de enfermeras a tiempo completo. Si su hijo(a) requiere de cuidados de salud especializados, o tiene una prescripción para Insulina, Glucagon o Diastat durante horas escolares, contacte a la Oficina de Enfermería del Departamento de Salud de New Haven al 203 946-7301 lo más pronto posible. ¡Gracias!
If you attended school in New Haven and need a copy of your immunization records please complete the request for records at https://newhaven.seamlessdocs.com/f/CofNHDNRF01
Please be aware that records requests will be fulfilled within 48 hours of receipt of the request.
For forms, information and important updates, please visit
https://www.newhavenct.gov/gov/depts/health/divisions/nursing.htm