School Health Services are an essential component of the overall school program that supports the individual health and well-being of each student through school entry requirements, helping students stay healthy, and quality nursing services provided by professional school nurses.

School Entry Requirements

The health and safety of students is a priority for schools. When students enter a public school for the first time, they must provide documentation of:

We have also produced a brochure with an overview of school health services, as well as a summary of required tests and examinations for kids starting Pre-K or Kindergarten for the first time.

Health Topic Resources

Additional Information

Medications and treatments may be administered in schools upon written request from an authorized person legally responsible for the student. The school nurse is responsible for the administration of medications and treatments. The school nurse must oversee the instruction and management of the following exceptions:

  • Self-administration: Students, who have parent, healthcare provider and school nurse approval, may carry and self-administer auto-injectable epinephrine and/or a quick relief inhaler.
  • Assistance with Self-Administration of Medication at Approved School Activities: Educators and other school employees may receive training through the school nurse to assist a student with self-administration of medications at an approved school activity.
  • Prescribed Emergency Medication for Student with a Diagnosed Medical Condition: Educators and other school employees may receive training through the school nurse to administer lifesaving medication to a student while at an approved school activity.
  • Emergency Medication for Life-threatening Allergic Reactions in Schools: Educators or other school employees may be identified by the school and receive specialized training to administer emergency medication to students with symptoms of a life-threatening allergic reaction in the school setting.

Families and schools can work together to support the health of students. Delaware public schools provide a full-time Registered Nurse, who supports students with chronic health conditions, like asthma or diabetes, and with acute health conditions, like a playground injury or a throat infection. There are many things families and schools can provide to support healthy students, like offering nutritious foods, allowing time for physical activity, supporting emotional health, and collaborating to manage chronic health conditions. Some supports are more easily provided by schools, like routine health screenings, and other supports can only come from families, like ensuring adequate sleep each night.

Resources for Supporting Healthy Students

School nurses are members of the education team and support the health of students in schools. They are skilled professionals, who work closely with the families and school communities. They are the on-site health resource for all Delaware students. Delaware public schools have a full-time school nurse in every school. Public school nurses obtain certification through the Delaware Department of Education. They are required to be a Registered Nurse, have 3 years clinical supervised experience, be trained in CPR, and complete the certification program. Families are encouraged to work closely with their school nurse regarding their child’s health. Communicating updated health information and collaborating on how to best meet a child’s healthcare needs in the school setting are critical for both health well-being and academic success. The school nurse can assist families to identify local resources and referrals. From time to time, children may need to take medication during the school day. If your child will need to take medication in school, work closely with your school nurse. The school nurse can provide information on the state requirements and school policies, including permission forms and information on field trips.

Delaware statutes and regulations govern and shape the practice of school nursing. Regulations promulgated by the Delaware Department of Education address the “health and physical welfare of public school students in the State”. The regulations address requirements for immunizations, tuberculosis screening and health examinations. They additionally articulate schools’ responsibilities for periodic health screenings, medication administration and school health records. For details regarding Delaware health regulations, review the Delaware Department of Education Health and Safety Regulations.

Contact Us

For additional information, please email Ann Covey or by calling 302-857-3356.