Health Services

The WCPS Health Services promotes optimal health and safety among our students to support achievement of academic success.

In addition to our students, our staff and community are also an important part of our focus for a healthy and safe environment and self. WCPS provides health services and health education in each of our schools in collaboration with VyTalent Solutions (formerly known as American Medical Staffing) and the Washington County Health Department.

[click the + below to expand sections]

Health Forms for Enrollment

Immunization Records: The parent/legal guardian(s) must provide evidence that their child has received all vaccinations required by the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 10.06.04).
Blood Lead Testing Certificate: Proof of blood lead testing is required for children enrolling in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade. The parent/legal guardian(s) must provide a completed Maryland Department of Health Blood Lead Testing Certificate signed by a licensed health care provider.
Record of Physical Examination: All students enrolling in a Maryland Public School are required to have a physical examination by a licensed health care provider within nine months prior to enrollment or within six months after enrollment in the public school system.

Resources & copies of the required forms can be printed to the right of this page.

Immunizations

Health Room Procedures

To access health services, students must obtain a pass from their teacher and report to the health office for evaluation and/or treatment. Once evaluated, health staff will determine if the student should remain in school or be dismissed to the parent/legal guardian. It is the parent/legal guardian's responsibility to make arrangements for their child to be picked up within a reasonable time frame.

For more information, visit: Health Room Procedures

Medications & Treatments

If a medication or treatment is necessary during the school day, the parent/legal guardian(s) must provide a written physician order signed by a licensed health care provider. An order is needed for all prescription and over-the-counter medications and treatments.

For students’ safety, all medications must be transported to and from the health room by an adult. All prescribed medication dispensed by a pharmacy must have a pharmacy label attached. Health room staff will only accept over-the-counter medications in the original, unopened manufacturer’s container. Medications sent in envelopes, plastic bags or daily reminder containers cannot be administered. Health room staff cannot accept or administer expired medication(s).

It is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian(s) to provide all equipment and supplies necessary to administer any ordered treatments.

See Medication Guidelines for more detailed information regarding medication and treatments guidelines, confidentiality, and self-carry medications.

Resources & copies of the required forms can be printed to the right of this page.

Pediculosis (Head Lice) Management

Current head lice management policies are aligned with recommendations from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Students that are sent to the health office with symptoms of infestation will be screened by trained health staff. If evidence of head lice infestation is observed, health staff will contact the parent/legal guardian and recommend that the child is picked up from school to begin treatment. The child may return to school after treatment. Parents/legal guardians can help by routinely inspecting their child's scalp for signs of health lice throughout the school year. Parents/legal guardians should instruct their child not to share hats, combs, brushes and avoid head-to-head contact with other students.

For more info & full policy, visit: Pediculosis (Head Lice) Management

Special Diets

Students who require dietary accommodations through the WCPS school meal program may need to complete the Medical Form for Students with Special Dietary Needs.

This form is administered by WCPS Food & Nutrition Services and is intended specifically for students who need meal-related accommodations because of a food allergy, intolerance, disability, medical condition, or other special dietary need.

Completed forms should be returned to your child’s school health room. The school nurse and Food & Nutrition Services will work together as appropriate to support the student’s dietary needs.

For other medical conditions, medications, treatments, or health-related accommodations that are not connected to school meals, please contact your child’s school nurse.

Medical Form for Students with Special Dietary Needs

WCPS Allergies, Food Modifications, and Special Diets Guidelines