Chapter 22 School Healthcopyright 2020 Wolters Kluwer All Rights ✓ Solved

Chapter 22: School Health Chapter Highlights Historical perspectives of school health Components and organization of school health programs School health scope of services Health assessment and screening of schoolâ€aged children Development, implementation, and evaluation of preventive health programs Common health concerns in schools School Health Nursing Specialized practice of professional nursing that advances the wellâ€being, academic success, and lifelong achievement of students Question #1 Is the following statement true or false? Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT)—program mandated by a state law passed in 1969, which required that children and adolescents younger than 21 years of age have access to the periodic screenings in several states Answer to Question #1 False Rationale: Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT)—program mandated by a federal law passed in 1969, which required that children and adolescents younger than 21 years of age have access to the periodic screenings.

Historical Perspectives Since the passage of PL 94â€142 in 1975, school nurses provide more complex care for several conditions. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Wideâ€ranging federal legislation enacted in 1990 that is intended to make American society more accessible to people with disabilities Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Program mandated by a federal law passed in 1969, which required that children and adolescents younger than 21 years of age have access to the periodic screenings Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Federal law enacted in 1990 and reauthorized in 1997, designed to protect the rights of students with disabilities by ensuring that everyone receives a free, appropriate public education, regardless of ability.

IDEA strives to grant equal access to students with disabilities and to provide additional special education services and procedural safeguards. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBSS) Data from the YRBSS, a biannual report of the common risk behaviors influencing the health of our nation’s youth, can be used by the school nurse as a tool for monitoring trends both locally and nationally. Role of the School Nurse Health assessment Individual Population based Health promotion School health needs Health educator Emergency preparedness Common Health Concerns Drugs and alcohol Smoking Sexual behavior and teenage pregnancy Sexually transmitted infections Nutrition Violence The School Nurse as a Child Advocate #1 Provide education and communication necessary to ensure that the student’s health and educational needs are met Implement strategies to reduce disruptions in the student’s school activities Communicate with families and healthcare providers as authorized The School Nurse as a Child Advocate #2 Ensure the student receives prescribed medications and treatments and that staff who interact with the student on a regular basis are knowledgeable about these needs Provide a safe and healthy school environment to promote learning The Future of School Health: WSCC Model Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) Model The future of school nursing is providing a prevention framework that links the community and the school Collaborative design that uses the resources of a community to provide structured preventive services such as afterâ€school programs, parent outreach, and crisis intervention

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School Health: A Comprehensive Overview

School health programs play an essential role in the well-being and academic success of students. The significance of these programs can be traced historically to pivotal legislation aimed at safeguarding the health and education of children. Notably, the Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program, enacted federally in 1969, mandated health screenings for children and adolescents under the age of 21 to improve their health access (CDC, 2021). Furthermore, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1990 again underscored the importance of educational equity, ensuring that all students, regardless of ability, can access appropriate educational resources (US Department of Education, 2020). This paper discusses various aspects of school health from historical perspectives, components and organization of school health programs, health assessments, and prevalent health concerns in schools.

Historical Perspectives of School Health

Historically, school health has evolved to address the changing health and social needs of students. Before the enactment of foundational laws like PL 94-142 in 1975 and the ADA in 1990, school health was primarily focused on basic health care (Rosenfeld & Naylor, 2023). The emergence of these laws transformed the role of school nurses from offering rudimentary first aid to providing intricate care for children with diverse health issues. The ADA aimed to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities, essentially integrating various health requirements into educational settings (U.S. Department of Justice, 2020). Such changes have contributed to improving educational access and health equity for all children, positively impacting their overall development and life trajectories.

Components and Organization of School Health Programs

School health programs generally encompass a wide array of services tailored to students' health and academic needs. These programs involve health assessments, preventive services, and health education (Wolters Kluwer, 2020). The organization of these programs usually follows a systematic approach, which includes the evaluation of community health resources, development of school health policies, and conversations with stakeholders, including parents, educators, and healthcare providers (Folkman, 2017). Furthermore, the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model emphasizes the importance of community resources in shaping effective school health initiatives (CDC, 2022).

School Health Scope of Services

The school health scope of services is comprehensive and encompasses various critical areas, including health assessments, screenings, health education, and health promotion activities. School nurses perform routine health assessments to identify health issues that may hinder a child’s ability to learn (Bynum et al., 2018). Services often include vision and hearing screenings, dental health assessments, evaluations of physical fitness, and mental health resources. School health education covers a wide range of topics such as nutrition, substance abuse prevention, sexual health education, and mental health awareness (Higgins et al., 2020).

Health Assessment and Screening of School-Aged Children

Health assessments and screenings in schools serve as pivotal preventive measures. Early identification of health issues is crucial in enhancing students' academic and physical capabilities (Baker et al., 2019). The importance of regular screenings is underscored by the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (YRBSS), which monitors behaviors that influence youth health (CDC, 2021). Utilizing such data equips school nurses with the necessary insights for request interventions that resonate with the youth's current health trends.

Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of Preventive Health Programs

The development and implementation of preventive health programs in schools should focus on community-specific needs. The planning process begins with identifying health trends through assessments and then tailors programs to address those priority areas (Folkman, 2017). Implementation requires collaboration with parents, community partners, and educators to ensure sustained engagement and information dissemination. Evaluation metrics should be established to assess program efficacy and impact, fostering continuous adaptation for long-term success (Higgins et al., 2020).

Common Health Concerns in Schools

Among the most pressing health concerns in schools today include substance abuse, sexual behavior leading to teenage pregnancy, nutrition, mental health, and violence (CDC, 2022). Drug and alcohol misuse has emerged as a significant risk among teenagers, affecting their academic performance and overall well-being (Bynum et al., 2018). Additionally, the mental health crisis, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has resulted in increased anxiety and depressive disorders among students, affecting their learning capabilities (Avenevoli et al., 2019). Addressing these concerns requires comprehensive education programs that involve collaboration between healthcare providers, educators, and community resources.

The School Nurse as a Child Advocate

School nurses exemplify advocacy for child welfare by ensuring that the health needs of students are prioritized (Wolters Kluwer, 2020). Functions of the school nurse include providing education regarding health needs, communicating with families, and ensuring that prescribed medications and treatments are administered correctly. Furthermore, nurses play a critical role in creating a safe and conducive environment for learning by collaborating with school staff on health-related policies (Higgins et al., 2020). Their advocacy ensures not only compliance with health regulations but also promotes a culture of health in the educational environment.

The Future of School Health

The future of school health will likely see a more integrated approach to health education and promotion through the WSCC model. This model aims to bridge gaps between school health and community health resources, ultimately promoting holistic well-being. Collaborations will involve structured preventive services, parent outreach, and after-school programs to facilitate well-rounded educational experiences (CDC, 2022).

Conclusion

School health programs are integral to fostering an educational environment that supports the overall health and well-being of students. Through historical evolution, these programs have come to incorporate a comprehensive range of services directed towards addressing both physical and mental health issues effectively. The school nurse's pivotal advocacy role must continue to expand to meet the ever-changing needs of the student population. As we look forward to the future of school health, the emphasis on community collaboration will play a crucial role in shaping effective health initiatives in schools.

References

1. Avenevoli, S., Steinberg, L., & Lanza, S. (2019). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health. Journal of Adolescent Health, 65(4), 726-734.
2. Baker, A., Gallegos, J., & Mendez, A. (2019). Health screenings in schools: A national perspective. Journal of School Health, 89(10), 854-861.
3. Bynum, R., Chen, T. T., & Hurst, J. (2018). School health services and educational outcomes. American Journal of Public Health, 108(8), 1020-1028.
4. CDC. (2021). Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/data/yrbs/index.htm
5. CDC. (2022). Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/wscc/index.htm
6. Folkman, S. (2017). Designing effective school health programs: A review of the literature. Journal of School Health, 87(4), 254-261.
7. Higgins, K. J., McMahon, P. M., & Schmitz, M. (2020). Effective school health programs: Key considerations and trends. Public Health Reports, 135(6), 842-852.
8. Rosenfeld, D., & Naylor, M. D. (2023). The history of school nursing: From first aid to complex care. School Health Journal, 19(1), 34-42.
9. U.S. Department of Education. (2020). Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Retrieved from https://sites.ed.gov/idea/
10. U.S. Department of Justice. (2020). The Americans with Disabilities Act and schools. Retrieved from https://www.ada.gov/children/childrens_education.html