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  School Policies

Alberta British Columbia Saskatchewan

 

Manitoba

 

Ontario Quebec Nova Scotia New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador

Nunavut  

Prince Edward Island Yukon               Northwest Territories

Alberta

Alberta operates under the authority of the Alberta School Act.  While the Alberta Ministry of Learning does not have specific policies relating to the care and treatment of students with diabetes in school, there are policies in the area of Special Education that include students who require specialized health care services.

These policies require the parents of the student with diabetes to give written authorization for the receipt of health-related services. They must provide written procedures for storing and/or administering medication including who and when the medication is to be administered, side-effects, storage and doctor's name and phone number.  The parents must also provide emergency instructions for the staff to use. The school is to include this information in the student's IPP  

School personnel are encouraged to work collaboratively with the student’s family and local health care professionals to develop plans that meet the unique circumstances of the child.  

For further policy information see

http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca/educationguide/pol-plan/polregs/162.asp

http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca/educationguide/pol-plan/polregs/161.asp

http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca/k_12/specialneeds/sp_ed_guide.pdf

  • Calgary Board of Education 

Each school in consultation with the parents (and regional health authority staff when required) makes the appropriate arrangements for children with diabetes based on the student’s age, school program, etc.  A properly completed and signed Medical Application and Release Form must be received from the parents and approved by the principal at the beginning of each school year.   

Subject to written arrangements acceptable to and approved by the principal, a parent may arrange for a student to receive health care from a private agency or practitioner.  

For further detailed information go to Calgary School Board Policy 6002 

  • Edmonton School Board

If a child registered with the Edmonton School Board cannot care for their own medical needs, the principal will require a signed request from the parents and physician indicating the type of medication to be administered, required dosage, and emergency response instructions.  The principal may then make appropriate arrangements with the teacher or other reliable adult willing to administer the medication and to undertake its safekeeping.  An alternate person should also be identified and trained in case of absence.  A record of instructions and arrangements will be retained in the school office.

The giving of sugar to a child with diabetes when needed should not be considered as the administering of medication. 

For further detailed information on the Edmonton School Board’s Policy on Administering Medicine in Schools  and Emergency Procedures see

 http://www.epsb.ca/policy/ihcd.ar.shtml

 http://www.epsb.ca/policy/ihce.ar.shtml

  • Fort McMurray  

The Administering of Medication in Schools  is a very basic guideline. There is nothing diabetes specific but this policy would cover the injection of insulin as well as the treatment of hypoglycemia. 

  • Lethbridge School District No. 51

Policy 504.1.3.A  Treatment of Diabetic Students  This is a wonderful and comprehensive policy! It provides definitions of diabetes related terms and treatment options for hypoglycemia. It allows for the training of school personnel in the use of Glucagon.  It further offers a comprehensive "Diabetes Care" form that is a must for all schools. 

  • Medicine Hat School District No. 76

Policy 640 Medical Treatment for Students   This is a very basic guideline that deals with the administering of medicine in schools. There is nothing diabetes specific but would cover the injection of insulin as well as the treatment of hypoglycemia. 

  • Red Deer Public Schools

Policy and Regulations 4.04.02  Medical Treatment of Students   This policy specifically contains a section on the treatment of students with diabetes. All students with diabetes must be identified to the staff. This policy warns of the dangers of strenuous physical activity without proper snacks or blood glucose levels. It provides a detailed list of what a hypoglycemic reaction looks like and how to treat it. It reminds staff that students must not be left unattended when hypoglycemic and the importance of snacks even during trips and detentions. 

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British Columbia

British Columbia looks after the needs of children with chronic illnesses in their policies for Special Needs Students. Type 1 diabetes would be classified here as a Level II need—a health procedure necessary at school that would normally be provided by parent or guardian when the child is at home including administering medication.  An Individual Education Plan (IEP) must be put in place for these children that should take into account specific healthcare and personal care needs, and outline specific strategies to address those needs.  It is also essential that the educational system affirm the rights of the students and families to participate meaningfully in the individualization of the student’s educational program.  Health care plans must be regularly updated and include detailed emergency procedures.   

Individuality is the key here.  A teacher or other responsible adult trained to assist one child must be retrained to deal with another.  In-service training is to be set up by the principal in conjunction with the Health Nurse.

For further details see

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policies/funding_special_needs.htm

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/ppandg/services_1.htm

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/ppandg/12_support.htm
  • Surrey (School District 36)

Regulation No. 9610.1

Parents must complete a Medical Alert Form.  

More than one staff member must be trained in the administration of the medication and/or the management of the medical condition to provide an alternative person in the case of absence or unavailability.  This policy further suggests that a Teaching Assistant may be made available to aid the child in “blood glucose monitoring requiring specific action based on results.”

Policy 5.21 Medical Alert Conditions 

Parents are to provide details of their child’s medical condition in the Medical Alert Planning Form.  If parents have requested school personnel to administer medication to their child, a physician must sign the “Request for Administration of Medication at School” form.   

The principal or delegate must assemble members of staff, including support staff, so that the Community Health Nurse, with the child’s parents, can provide appropriate training related to the Medical Alert Plan.  He/she must also ensure that photo ID’s of all Medical Alert Condition students are displayed in a confidential area where all staff members can see it.   

These students may carry their diabetes supplies with them at all times.

  • Nicola-Similkameen ( School District 58)

Policy 504

Each September parents of children with diabetes are to compete the “Medical Alert Planning Form” available at their school.  If their child requires help administering medication from a school employee, the parents and physician should complete the “Request for Medical Administration at School” document.  The Public Health Nurse, with the parents, will then conduct a training session for all staff members.  Students with diabetes and other chronic illnesses, are asked to wear Medical Alert jewelry at all times.

  • Nechako Lakes ( School District 91)

Policy 504.5

Parents are to complete the Medical Alert Conditions form.  They should provide detailed information on precautions, emergency care, and the use of insulin.  In conjunction with the Public Health Nurse, a daily care plan as well as a step-by-step emergency plan should be put in place.  The nurse will also provide training for personnel designated to administer injections.  If the child rides the bus, the bus driver should also be trained in all aspects of the child’s daily and emergency care.

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Saskatchewan

The province of Saskatchewan provides added funding to school divisions to assist them in providing appropriate programs and supports for children with chronic illness.  The individual school board is then responsible to implement the appropriate programs.  

Saskatchewan Learning suggests annual meetings with parents, staff, and health care providers to draw up individual health care plans and to provide for proper training of staff.  

Policy  V.7.7 Health-Related Services for Children and Youth in Schools can be viewed at

http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/k/pecs/se/docs/misc/plcyfrmwrk02.pdf

Student Health: Medication to Students

The principal or trained volunteer staff designate shall be responsible for administering medication to a student. Staff may carry out any medical procedure that a parent routinely performs after he/she has been trained in the presence of a parent by a medical professional.  The training session must be documented, dated and signed by the parent, trainer, staff member and principal.  If the principal refuses to administer medication or the Board determines that a health care person should be responsible for this, the Board will arrange for such a person. The principal will ensure that a Record of Medication Administered is properly maintained. Incase of an emergency, the Administration of Medication form should also include a detailed plan of action. All staff should be made aware of and trained in the emergency procedures. Each fall, the Principal will submit to the Student Services Coordinator, the list of students having chronic medical conditions.  

Health Care Service in Schools (March 16, 1998)

Principals and teachers are not required to administer health care services to students. If they chose to do so then this provision must be approved by the Board of Education. The parent/guardian, must then keep the school fully informed in writing of the medical needs and any changes that may be required. 

Administrative Procedures:

The parent/guardian will complete the Provision of Health Care Services Physician and Parent Form.  This form will be completed at the beginning of each school year or anytime throughout the school year when a change in service is requested by the parent.  

Code 9Q.  The Administration of Medications and Provisions of Health Support Services (December 2004)

A child requiring prescribed medication during the school day must have a Pupil Medication form on file signed by the parent/guardian. 

If there is the potential need an emergency injection (ie. Glucagon), designated staff members shall receive an inservice from a qualified medical person on this procedure. The principal will designate said staff members and arrange for the inservice.

The principal will arrange for the safe storage of all medicine. 

  • Landswest School Division No. 123

Administrations of Medicines  (January 2000)

A teacher or other staff member shall not give or administer any medication to a student unless specifically authorized by a parent/guardian. 

  • Outlook School Division No. 32

Administration of Medicine and/or Medical Procedures (1999)

School personnel shall act as if a parent of a large family. They will have appropriate training, consultative support and knowledge of school board policy and procedures, in order to feel confident and protected when providing services to students. Training for any services will be provided by the appropriate agencies. Physicians and other healthcare professionals, with parents, will determine specific medications and healthcare procedures for children. Where the provision of procedures and use of medications are a part of the child's daily living, they are not considered medical procedures.  Students are encouraged to handle their own health needs to the best of their abilities. The Provision of Medication Form shall be completed for each school year or at the time of medication change.  A copy of this form will be sent to the Director of Education for Board of Education approval.  The original will be placed in the student's cumulative file.  The name of the student and all directions shall be clearly printed on the medication. The Principal shall ensure the maintenance of the Individual Student Medication Registry and ensure that it is kept locked in the cabinet with the medications. The parent/guardian will be responsible to ensure that the medication safely reaches the school. A separate room may be allocated for the administration of medication. 

While unable to specifically read their policy. In the absence of a diabetes related policy, one can assume that diabetes care falls under their Administration of Medicine in School Policy (Code IS)  

Staff Administration of Student Medication (1989)

Where a parent requests assistance with the administration of medication, the principal will require the request in writing. This request will indicated that a teacher or staff member is authorized to do the task. The parent/guardian will provide the name and telephone number of a physician in case of medical emergency.  A letter from the physician may also be required outlining the prescribed dosage of medication and administration procedures. The medication should be kept up to date and in a secure environment. 

  •  Saskatoon School Division No. 13

Policy No. 81

The principal will decide who will administer medication to a child requiring this service in school. The delegated staff member will then act as would a reasonable and prudent parent. All medication administered will be logged by the principal.

See http://www.spsd.sk.ca/POLICIES/SECTION%205000/POLICY%205150.pdf

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Manitoba

Since 1995, Manitoba Education and Youth has been in partnership with our departments of Family Services and Housing and Health to provide interdepartmental policy and funding support to community programs within our province through the Unified Referral and Intake System (URIS).  Community programs include schools, licensed childcare facilities and situations involving respite.  

The Unified Referral and Intake System Procedural Manual provides a classification of special health care procedures and provides a protocol for community programs such as schools to follow.  Monitoring diabetes is one of the Group B Classifications within the URIS Manual.  

Schools with children who have diabetes are able to secure the services of registered nurses who, in collaboration with parents and school staff, develop an individual health care plan for the child and provide training and monitoring to school staff identified to support the child's needs in school.  The health care plan outlines the child's specific health care needs and procedures with respect to diabetes and the necessary interventions required throughout the school day.  The school staff utilizes the health care plan to assist them in providing for both the child's educational and health care needs.  If educational adaptations are required as a result of the child's diabetes, school staff makes the necessary instructional adaptations to accommodate the child's health care needs.   

From Gerald Farthing, Assistant Deputy

Province of Manitoba

Dealing with Medical Procedures (April 2004)

A student with a chronic illness must have an Individual Health Management Plan in place. The principal should attempt to determine students who have chronic health problems though school registrations and should contact the students parents/guardians to determine the nature and severity of the illness, the symptoms and action required. An authorization for Release of Personal Health Information and Identification of Students Requiring Health Procedure forms should be completed by the parents/guardians and retained in the child's file.  Information from this plan should be shared with all personnel employed by the school division who might have contact with the child.  Family should be consulted about all excursions/field trips to ensure that all possible implications are covered. Whenever possible, the parent should be invited to go along. 

A medic alert sticker should be placed on the tab of the student's cumulative school file and beside their name on the homeroom register.  

An Administering Medication in School form should also be completed. 

Medication Administration

Where the administration of medication is not possible by the parent/guardian or appropriate medical authority, the Division will administer medication only in the manner, and under the conditions, stipulated as administrative procedures. This medication administration policy includes students, who by reason of insufficient age, maturity or physical or cognitive ability, are not able to manage their own medication administration. The administration of medication in the school setting must be a necessary administration for the health of the student. Parents/guardians must provide all required information to the school and meet all conditions established by the Division. 

  • Interlake School Division

Administration of Medication

Providing a hypoglycemic child with sugar in such forms as apple juice does not constitute administering medication.  If the child requires prescribed medication during school hours and the parent cannot be at the school to administer the medication, the principal or staff member designated by the principal will administer the medication providing:

That there is written authorization from the parent.

The medicine is labeled by a pharmacist with his/her name and dosage instructions. 

The medication will be safely stored by the principal or designated staff member. 

File JGCD:  Students with Chronic Medical Conditions (June 1992)

A specific Individual Management Plan is to be prepared for each student with a chronic medical condition.  Before the commencement of the fall term, the school will attempt to determine those children with chronic medical conditions who may require medical attention during the school day. The principal will then meet with the parents/guardians to establish the nature of the illness, the symptoms, the action to be take in the case of illness, and ask for other instructions of a specific nature which the parent may consider necessary to safeguard the child. The principal will be responsible to ensure that all staff have access to this information. A medic alert sticker should be placed on the homeroom register of each chronically ill child. If the child requires medication to be administered during school hours, the procedures detailed in the "Administering Medicines to Students" shall be strictly applied. Under no circumstances shall staff ignore any symptoms or suggestions from a child that medical attention may be required or necessary. In all instances where symptoms of the illness manifest themselves or the child suggests he/she may be feeling the onset of symptoms, the school shall respond in accordance with the directives stated and, as deemed necessary, will communicate directly with the parents or the child's physician. 

JBC - Medical Situations

Southwest Horizon School Division acknowledges that certain students may require medical procedures to be performed during the time the child is in school. The Division will conduct health procedures based on the following policy. The Unified Referral and Intake System Manual developed by the Province of Manitoba is a primary reference and guideline to schools.

In order for prescribed medication to be administered or medical procedures to be implemented in school, parents/guardians and students eighteen years of age and over must comply with the guidelines and procedures outlined in this policy. The Division will work collaboratively with the parents/guardians/students to ensure that health care plans be developed as required.

Students With Chronic Medical Conditions

A specific individual management plan is to be prepared for each student with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, kidney disease, asthma, migraine headaches, thyroid conditions, intestinal disorders, and significant allergies. The guidelines in this policy will assist the school administrator in preparing the plans required in each school.

On or before the commencement of school in the fall term, the school shall take every reasonable step to determine those students in attendance at the school who have a chronic disability or illness and who require or may require medical attention during the school day. For each student so determined, the school administration and team should:

1. Meet personally with the parents/guardians and obtain written information from the parents/guardians detailing the nature of the illness, the symptoms, the action to be taken in the case of illness being manifested, and ask for other instructions of a specific nature which the parent may consider necessary to safeguard the child.

2. Have the parents/guardians sign the release form.

3. Determine from the parents or, with the permission of the parents, from the child's physician the possible educational implications of the illness and the possible side effects of any medication the child may be taking or which may need to be administered at the school.

4. Communicate the above information to all personnel employed at the school by filing the information in a readily accessible place.

5. Take such measures as may be necessary to ensure that chronically ill children will be recognized by any member of the staff should medical attention be required.

6. Ensure that all substitute teachers are aware of chronically ill children placed in their care.

2. Where a chronically ill child requires or may require medication, the procedures as detailed in Administration of Medicines shall be strictly applied.

3. Under no circumstances shall staff ignore any symptoms or suggestions from a child that medical attention may be required or necessary.

4. In all instances where symptoms of the illness manifest themselves or the child suggests that he/she may be feeling the onset of symptoms, the school shall respond in accordance with the directives provided under #1. and, as deemed necessary, communicate directly with the parents or the child's physician.

5. On an annual basis (more often if deemed necessary) the principal's office shall verify the currency of the information provided by the parents and/or the child's physician.

 

Medical Protocol

Turtle Mountain School Division will establish a divisional Medical Protocol Manual to ensure the health and safety of students with known medical conditions.  The Medical Protocol manual will be updated as necessary in consultation with health officials and division staff by the Coordinator of Student Services. 

 

Medical Situations
In all matters relating to special health care of students in school, procedure will be determined on a case by case basis. The source of procedures which will be consulted in such matters as the primary reference and guideline is The Unified Referral and Intake System Manual developed by the Province of Manitoba. Recommended procedures will be considered insofar as they can be implemented in local settings. (See Procedural Guidelines M.1R)

Students With Chronic Medical Conditions

A specific individual management plan is to be prepared for each student with diabetes. On or before the beginning of the school fall term, the school shall attempt to identify all children with chronic medical conditions.  Their parents/guardians will be contacted.  Written information detailing the nature of the illness, the symptoms, the action to be taken in the case of illness being manifested, and other instructions of a specific nature which the parent may consider necessary to safeguard the child.  The parents will sign the release form. 
Communicate the above information to all personnel employed at the school by filing the information in a readily accessible place. Take such measures as may be necessary to ensure that chronically ill children will be recognized by any member of the staff should medical attention be required. Ensure that all substitute teachers are aware of chronically ill children placed in their care. Where a chronically ill child requires or may require medication, the procedures as detailed in Administering Medication to Students shall be strictly applied.  Under no circumstances shall staff ignore any symptoms or suggestions from a child that medical attention may be required or necessary.  In all instances where symptoms of the illness manifest themselves or the child suggests that he/she may be feeling the onset of symptoms, the school shall respond in accordance with the directives provided under #1.a. and as, deemed necessary, communicate directly with the parents or the child’s physician.  On an annual basis (more often if deemed necessary) the principal’s office shall verify the currency of the information provided by the parents and/or the child’s physician. 

  • Winnipeg

At the beginning of each year a health care plan is developed for each child with medical needs.  Each plan reflects the needs and wishes of those involved in an individual child’s life.

For further information see

http://www.wsd1.org/pc_specialhcare/special.htm

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Last modified:
February 10, 2008