Back To School

• School attendance may increase a student’s risk of exposure to allergens that could trigger an allergic reaction, including a food-allergic reaction.

• Preschool (K3/K4) to 3rd Grade Allergen Policy

  • Promote avoidance strategies, avoidance of the food is the only way to prevent a reaction from occurring

  • There is to be no food trading at school

  • Food provided at school for celebrations must be commercially prepared with detailed ingredient labels, NOT homemade 

  • Allergy-friendly treats are recommended and can be found on various websites

  • We highly recommend using non-food items as an alternative to treats for celebrations. This includes stickers, pencils, bookmarks, etc.

  • It is the responsibility of the parent to coordinate with the teacher that they are bringing food into a classroom FIVE days in advance so as to allow for communication to the rest of the parents for alternative treats to be arranged. 

  • Any parent who does not coordinate with the teacher five days or more in advance prior to bringing treats into the classroom will not be allowed to have them brought in. 

• 4th-12th Grade Allergen Policy

  • Food trading is highly discouraged

  • Food provided at school for celebrations must be commercially prepared with detailed ingredient labels, NOT homemade 

  • Allergy-friendly treats are recommended and can be found on various websites

  • Non-food items as an alternative for treats for celebrations are highly recommended. This includes stickers, pencils, bookmarks, etc.

  • Coordination for potential allergens in the classroom is highly recommended with the teacher.

• It is the responsibility of parents and students to notify Schaumburg Christian School of any and all known allergies. Schaumburg Christian School is committed to reasonably accommodating students’ allergies and strives to reduce the risk of exposure to allergens and provide timely treatment of an allergic reaction. 

• Please direct all questions or concerns regarding allergies to the school nurse. 

• Parents are required to identify the student’s allergies online at the time of registration and must inform the Principal, the student’s teacher(s), coaches, activity sponsors, and bus driver of any allergies.

• Parents are encouraged to educate their student(s) in the self-management of allergies, including hand washing, safe and unsafe foods and products, strategies for avoiding exposure to allergens, symptoms of allergic reactions, and how and when to tell an adult they may be having an allergy-related problem. Parents also are encouraged to consider providing a Medic Alert bracelet for the student. 

• The parent or guardian is required to complete a Food Allergy Action Plan with their physician and submit it to the health office. 

• Epi-pens can be carried on the child's person if the parent has signed and submitted a stamped or signed physician’s authorization stating the child is trained in the use of the Epi-pen, is able to use it properly, and has the physician’s authority to do so. 

• Signage is placed specifically outside of Early Childhood Education Classrooms indicating potential allergens for parental awareness for snacks and celebrations. 

• A listing of students with life threatening allergies is placed in various areas of the school including cafeterias, workrooms, and any other areas where large consumption of potential allergens could take place

• Any student with confirmed asthma is required to have an Asthma Action Plan on file in the health offices depending on grade

• Parents are required to provide all inhalers, nebulizers, spacers and tubing for asthma needs for their students.

• If a student is able to self-carry their own inhaler, documentation needs to be provided from the parent and provider indicating proficiency in self-administering medication.

• Athletes are considered those in the middle school and high school space that play in school matches throughout the year.

• For each SCS student-athlete, a physical examination form, signed and dated by a licensed physician, physician’s assistant, or nurse practitioner, must be current and uploaded into the student’s health portal in order for the student to try out, practice, or compete in athletics at SCS 

•  Physical examinations are good for 365 days from the date the physician completes and signs the exam. 

•  Athletes have one year PLUS an additional 30 days from the date of their last physical to complete the sports physical requirement. The 365-day policy was created to give parents a buffer for scheduling and insurance coverage purposes. 

•  Athletes should schedule their annual sports physical starting on day 365 from the date of their last physical and before day 395.

• Athletes without a current physical on file will not be allowed to try out, practice, or compete beginning on day 395 and until a current physical is uploaded. 

•  We strongly encourage all students who will (or might) participate in interscholastic athletics to get a physical exam in late May or June if possible. 

• IHSA physical examination compliance will be monitored by the Athletic Office. 

•  All physical examination forms will be kept in the student’s health file and approved by the School Nurse. 

• These forms are completed by parents and uploaded onto the SNAP Health Portal before the beginning of the school year or athletic season.

• If an illness or condition is severe enough, there may be times that require the School Nurse to speak to your provider on a case-by-case basis. 

• This may include but is not limited to the following: epilepsy case management, diabetic educators, pulmonology offices, psychiatric care providers, etc. If this occurs, a release of inform

• In the event that a chronic illness is not disclosed to the health offices and an emergency occurs, the paramedics will be called for urgent care and assessment per the discretion of the school nurse.

• Any child who has a chronic illness that requires daily management at school (i.e.-diabetes, epilepsy, chronic kidney disease, asthma, etc.), is required to participate in a care planning meeting with the school nurse prior to the start of the school year. If the student is known and the diagnosis was managed in previous years, only an update is required. This includes stable middle school/high school diabetics who maintain their own equipment throughout the day. 

• Those students new to SCS with a chronic condition are required to have a phone or in person care conference with the school nurse to collect care plans and level set expectations for care prior to the start of the school year. 

• It is also at the discretion of the parent that if a child has a history of a prior health condition (congenital heart issues, cancer history, etc) that could result in an emergent care or medication administration at school, they are welcome to schedule a care conference as well.

• It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to seek out the school nurse in the event that any changes to the care plan occur.

The impact of a concussion diagnosis is both a medical and academic concern. Current medical research indicates the most important factor in recovery at any age is to provide cognitive and physical rest. Cognitive stimulation can be identified as reading, studying, video games, computer use, texting, television, driving, and any loud or bright environments. 

• Physical activity will be regulated and/or not permitted while a student is recovering from a concussion. Physical activity is defined as anything that may increase the heart rate and trigger symptoms. The student must be initially evaluated by a health care provider, and proper documentation must be provided to the school nurse and athletic director.

• For any student that has sustained a concussion, SCS relies on the Concussion Protocol as indicated on the SCS website.

• The Concussion Protocol includes initial assessment and documentation of injuries sustained on campus, as well as management of concussions that occur outside of school hours and off campus. 

• Any student with a confirmed concussion is required to have documentation from their health care provider which includes a plan of care for re-entry into school as well as limitations and a time table for management and follow-up

• When students are diagnosed with a communicable or contagious disease, it is preferred that parents contact our school nurse. 

• In the event that a student contracts an illness that is considered contagious or communicable to others, it is imperative that the student remain home until cleared by a doctor to return to school. 

• SCS reserves the right to disclose necessary information regarding student health concerns to notify students and staff. 

• Student health information will remain as confidential as possible. SCS will work with students and parents to assist in making up all missed work due to absences of this nature.

• Parents of diabetic children are required to complete a Diabetic Action Plan with their physician and submit it to the health office.

• Children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes will need to submit a diabetic emergency kit to the health office.

  • The health office kit should include: snacks, glucose tablets, glucagon, glucometer with extra supplies, needles (if subcutaneous insulin via a pen is administered), extra insulin pods (if a pod is utilized), insulin vials that will be kept in the refrigerator, and/or pump supplies for site change if needed. 

  • A small supply bin is needed for homeroom teachers to keep in the classroom for elementary students.

• Parents will maintain pumps and pods outside of school to ensure they are adequately filled with insulin for the next school day so as to minimize disruptions related to blood glucose monitoring and subsequent administration of insulin

• Parents also agree to potentially accompany their elementary aged child for off campus field trips of elementary students. This is to assist in the management of their care needs as health office staff does not leave the premises for field trips and to support the classroom teacher.

• High school students agree to appropriate usage of phones throughout the school day to manage their blood sugar, and may be asked to share continuous blood glucose monitoring with the school nurse to ensure proper oversight per clinical judgment.

• Parents are required to disclose epilepsy status at registration and if a new diagnosis is acquired during the school year as soon as possible to the health offices. This includes history of seizure activity, febrile seizures, or confirmed epileptic diagnosis.

• Students are required to have an Epilepsy Action Plan on file as well as the contact information for the Epilepsy Clinic they seek treatment from. A release of information form will need to be signed for coordination of care if needed per the clinical discretion of the School Nurse

• Students are required to carry emergency seizure medications on their person in a small pouch or fanny pack throughout the day

• If a student who does not have a prior history presents during the day with epileptic activity the paramedics will be called for additional intervention

• This school year, the health offices have moved to a cloud based upgrade to our SNAP health documentation platform

• This includes a health portal that is capable of bidirectional communication, uploading of forms, and real-time management of health needs during the school day

• All families should have received and enrollment link for the portal, it is imperative that you enroll so you do not miss updates or changes to policies or processes throughout the year

• This portal will also function as a communication platform for visits throughout the day so as to better inform parents of frequent visits, new diagnoses, updated clinical needs, and documentation of visit summaries

• Please reach ou

To prevent the spread of illness, students exhibiting the following symptoms must be kept home: 

• Fever of 100.4°F or higher within the past 24 hours 

• Severe coughing, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing 

• Diarrhea or vomiting within the past 24 hours

• Undiagnosed rash (student may return to school with a doctor’s note that rash is not contagious) 

• Discharge from eye (e.g., pinkeye) or ears, or profuse colored nasal discharge (student may return to school when discharge is clear after being on antibiotics for 24-48 hours, according to doctor’s instructions) 

• Unusual lethargy, irritability, persistent crying, or difficulty breathing (student may return to school when symptoms subside) 

• Evidence of a contagious or communicable disease. 

• Students with a cough, runny nose, vomiting, and/or diarrhea may return after 24 hours of no symptoms. 

• With a combination of these, or other symptoms, parents may be contacted by a school nurse for follow up to determine if further action is required, including medical clearance to return to school. 

• Parents should err on the side of caution when deciding when a student who has been sick is ready to return to school. When in doubt, students should be kept home from school in order to prevent the spread of illnesses. 

• Parents must provide a physician’s note if the student will be absent for an extended period of time due to illness.

• If a student is injured during the school day, the student’s teacher will tend to the student’s needs, and the health offices will be summoned if necessary. 

• First aid will be administered if needed. All teachers have been equipped with first aid kits in the classroom for minor issues. For issues that do not respond to basic bandages, the student will be sent to the health office. If the student’s injury is minor and the student is able to resume classwork, the student will return to class. 

• If the student requires medical attention or cannot resume classwork, the student will be sent to the school office and the health offices will contact the student’s parents. 

• In the event that emergency action is necessary, the nurse will call 911 and follow the instructions of the emergency personnel. The school nurse will notify the Principal of all emergency situations. The Principal or designee will contact the student’s parent as soon as possible thereafter.

• If a student is suspected to have lice, they will be evaluated by the health offices and parents will be notified if lice is present.

• If the student is not under treatment, they will need to be picked up and started on a treatment regimen

• Students will not be excluded from school due to head lice. However, they do need to be under treatment for management of the current infestation.

All PE excuses from parents/guardians need to go through the nurse's office. If a student will need to be excused for more than TWO days, a note from a licensed health care provider must be provided.

Medical or religious exemption requests for immunizations must be submitted to the nurse by October 15 of the current school year with the required health examination and immunization forms. Information regarding exemptions is available from the school nurse and the Illinois State Board of Education.

• Parents are required to indicate consent of medication administration via the SNAP Health Portal prior to the start of school.

• Over-the-counter medications will be given on a case by case basis related to presentation in the health office. If a parent sends medications for as needed use, they need to be in their original container for administration

• If a child presents to the health office with a need for over-the-counter medication to be administered, the indications noted per parent consent form will be reviewed to determine administration of said medication. 

• The health offices reserve the right to refuse medication to a student if there is a situation in which suspicious symptoms or altered mental status occurs.

• Students are not to bring over the counter medications from home to self administer. Students are welcome to leave medications such as cough drops in the health office to take from their own stock. Any medications found in students' possession will be confiscated by the health offices.

• The SCS health care staff has the right to refuse to administer any medication (prescription or over-the counter) to any child if in their best clinical judgment, they believe that doing so would be unsafe for the student. The health care staff will contact the student’s parent/guardian with any concerns. 

• All medication brought to school by students must be kept in the health care office. Students are not allowed to self administer medication except as allowed by law. 

• Medications brought to the health care office which need to be taken home should be picked up before 3:45 p.m. It is your responsibility to pick-up the medicine from the health care office.

• Only prescriptions authorized by a physician will be administered throughout the day, in accordance with State regulations. 

• Parents must provide a completed Medication Administration Form via Google Forms. Parents are responsible for providing all medication. 

• Parents must bring the medication to school. All prescription medications must be in the original container and have a pharmacy label that includes the student’s full name, doctor’s name and telephone number, name of the medication, strength of the medication, and specific directions regarding the dosage and administration of the medication. 

• Parents will be required to sign a Medication Drop Off/Pick Up form for confirmation of receipt of prescription medications.

• The designated individual within the Schaumburg Christian School Health Offices shall administer prescription medication, unless the student has authorization and documentation to self-administer. 

• All prescription medications will be kept in a secure location to be accessible only by those individuals designated by the School Nurse. 

• The health offices will keep a written record of all medication dispensed.

• Self Administration: Self-Administration of Medication Students with allergies, asthma, diabetes or seizure disorders may be allowed to carry and self-administer emergency medication, with parent and physician approval. Authorization by a physician, and parental consent, are required for self-administration of medication.SCS will work with the student’s parents to develop and adopt a Seizure Action Plan, Asthma Action Plan, an Individual Health Care Action Plan, and/or an Illinois Food Allergy Emergency Action Plan for any student that appropriately notifies SCS of his or her status and potential need for self-administered medication in accordance with 105 ILCS 5/34- 18.61. Parents must provide the prescription label for the medication, which must contain the name of the medication, the prescribed dosage, and the time or times at which or the circumstances under which the medication is to be administered.

• Undesignated Epinephrine Injectors: Undesignated Epinephrine Injectors Schools are permitted by law to voluntarily maintain a supply of undesignated epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g. EpiPens). Undesignated epinephrine injector means an epinephrine injector prescribed in the name of the school. This undesignated medication is intended for emergency use in the event that a student or staff member demonstrates a medical emergency from an undiagnosed allergy. It is not meant to be used by students with known allergies and standing orders for epinephrine auto-injectors. SCS maintains a supply of undesignated epinephrine injectors. The school nurse or any other trained employee may administer undesignated epinephrine to any student that he or she, in good faith, believes is having an anaphylactic reaction. Neither SCS nor its employees incur liability for the administration of good faith administration of emergency epinephrine. If a student is injured or harmed from the administration of epinephrine that was obtained and administered in compliance with the law, SCS and its employees will not be held responsible for the injury unless the epinephrine was administered with a conscious disregard for safety. If a parent/guardian does not wish for their student to receive this medication in case of emergency, a written request will be accepted. Please refer any questions to the nurse. SCS shall incur no liability, except for willful and wanton conduct, as a result of any injury arising from the administration of asthma medication or of an epinephrine auto-injector, the storage of any medication by school personnel, or the self-administration of medication. A student’s parent must indemnify and hold harmless SCS and its employees and agents against any claims, except a claim based on willful and wanton conduct, arising out of a student’s self-administration of authorized medication, or the storage of any medication by school personnel.

SCS Medication Administration Form for Prescription Medications

• SCS complies with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of education with regard to documentation of immunizations, school physicals, eye examinations, and dental examinations.

• All medical forms are required to be completed upon registration if your student is new to the school. 

• If your student is in Kindergarten, 2nd, 6th, 9th, or 12th grade, their updated records will need to be uploaded within the SNAP health portal prior to the start of the school year

• Parents who do not have forms turned in will be sought out via email, phone or in person for reminders for forms due to compliance needs with the state of Illinois.

• Students entering an Illinois school for the first time (home-school and out-of-state transfer) must submit evidence of a vision examination, completed by a doctor specializing in diseases of the eye or a licensed optometrist, dated within the past 12 months. 

• Proof of this examination is due by October 15. 

• Transfer students who are admitted and enrolled after October 15 of the current school year shall have thirty days following registration to comply with these health examination, immunization, dental examination, and eye examination requirements, as applicable

  • Grade Based Requirements:

    • NEW Preschool Students: Preschool students not enrolled in the prior academic year are required to have a physical examination on file by the start of the new school year

    • NEW students to SCS require a physical examination with immunization records in compliance with their current grade level, a dental exam and vision exam. If a student is moving from another state, the records from the prior state can be utilized for the first year of attendance to school only.

    • Kindergarten: physical examination with updated immunization records, dental examination and vision examination performed by licensed medical professionals within one year prior to the start of the school year

    • 2nd Grade: Updated dental examination is required to be on file prior to May 15th of the current school year.

    • 6th Grade: Physical examination with updated immunization records and dental examination are required to be on file

    • 9th Grade: Physical examination with updated immunization records and dental examination are required to be on file

    • 12th Grade: All 12th grade students are required to provide proof of the meningitis vaccine. Two doses are required between 6th and 12th grade, or one dose if administered after the age of 16.