Health Services

HEALTH AND EDUCATION-----PARTNERS IN SUCCESS          

The focus of the Davenport Community Schools Health Services Program is the promotion of an optimum state of health for the school age child through preventative measures such as health screenings, health assessments, health education, health counseling and referrals.  The program is based on the knowledge that a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthful living habits are essential components in the student’s quest to achieve his/her maximum educational potential.

A staff of professional nurses as well as paraprofessional staff provides health services to the students.

IMMUNIZATIONS:   The Iowa Immunization Law requires that parents of all children attending schools in Iowa provide written proof of immunizations.  No Child May Attend School Without a Certificate of Immunization, except under circumstances outlined or specified in the State of Iowa laws or codes.

VISION SCREENING:  Vision screenings are done by the school nurse for students in grades k, 3, 5, and 7.  Teachers and parents may request a vision screening whenever a problem is suspected.  The Goodlite and Snellen vision charts are used for the majority of screenings.

HEARING TESTS:  All hearing tests in the Davenport Schools are done by the AEA IX Audiologists.  Testing is done for students in grades k-1-2-5-8 and preschool.  All special education students who need three-year reevaluation and students new to the school district are also tested.  Parents and teachers may request that a screening be done whenever a problem is suspected, regardless of the student’s grade.

PEDICULOSIS SCREENING (Head Lice):  At the beginning of each new school year, school nurses screen all elementary students for head lice. This is a mandatory screening. Screenings may then be done periodically during the school year as the need arises.  Keeping the child nit and lice free is a parental responsibility.  Intermediate and high school students are screened on an as needed basis.

MEDICATION POLICY:  The DCSD does not assume responsibility for medical treatment during school hours.  If your child is on medication, please give it at home.  However, if medication MUST be given at school, the parent must provide a written and signed doctor’s order stating the name of the child, the name of the medication, the hour to be given, and the period of time needed.  ALL medication must be received at school in the original prescription container.

ABSENCES:   Students are required by law to attend school.  If your child must be absent from school, please notify the school office as early as possible on the morning of the absence.  Serious illnesses that may require a long-term absence, must be verified by a medical doctor.  Home instruction is available for students on written request of the attending physician.