FAQ's
FREQUENLTY ASKED QUESTIONS
We are new to DeKalb School District 428. What documents are needed? If you are transferring to D428 from a different district (regardless of where the district is located), you must meet the minimum health requirements within 30 days of enrolling otherwise you will be excluded from school. Students entering Pre-K, Kindergarten, 6th grade, 9th grade need a school physical and need to meet immunization requirements. Students entering in a different grade must meet the minimum requirements for the last required grade (eg. incoming 2nd graders must meet the Kindergarten health requirements). Sutdents enrolling in an Illinois school for the first time (regardless of student's grade) need a physical completed within the past year. If a physical was completed in the previous state, it must meet the Illinois requirements to be accepted. Contact the school nurse to verify.
Unless an exemption or extension applies, the failure to comply with health examination and/or the immunization requirements above by October 15 of the current school year, will result in the student’s exclusion from school until the required health forms are presented to the District. New students who register after October 15 of the current school year shall have 30 days following registration to comply with the health examination and immunization regulations. If a medical reason prevents a student from receiving a required immunization by October 15, the student must present, by October 15, an immunization schedule and a statement of the medical reasons causing the delay. The schedule and statement of medical reasons must be signed by the physician, advanced practice nurse, physician assistant, or local health department responsible for administering the immunizations.
Visit the health forms page to download the documents that should be submitted.
My student has a health condition. How do I go about sharing this information with the school?
When you register your student for the school year, you have an opportunity to document their health conditions. You may also email/call the school nurse to initiate a conversation, compile necessary medical reports or physicians orders, or complete school-related health forms.
It is the responsibility of the family to notify any before/after school program staff about their student’s medical history and conditions that may require special provisions, restrictions, or medication during the program.
When should I keep my child home? In accordance with public health policy it is required that a student with a fever greater than 100.4 or higher must stay home for at least 24 hours symptom free without the use of medication. It is also policy for all students who have been vomiting and/or have had diarrhea to stay home for at least 24 hours symptom free without the use of medication. This policy does not replace the judgment of the school nurse.
Your student may return to school once they have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of medications, has not vomited or had diarrhea for 24 hours.
COVID-19 PRECAUTION:
Please keep your child home from school and alert your building nurse, if your student has tested positive for COVID-19.
What if my student needs to take medication at school? Students should not take medication during school hours or during school-related activities unless it is necessary for a student’s health and well-being. When a student’s licensed health care provider and parent/guardian believe that it is necessary for the student to take a medication during school hours or school-related activities, the parent/guardian must request that the school dispense the medication to the child and otherwise follow the District’s procedures on dispensing medication. See medication form and medication administration procedure for further information.
Is it okay for my student to carry his inhaler at school? Yes, but the medication form and self administration section must be completed and on file. It is always a good idea to have a spare one in the health office.
Does the school need to know if my student takes medication at home? If the medication affects his/her classroom performance, it is in the student's best interest that this information is shared with the school nurse. All information shared is kept confidential and shared only on a “need-to-know basis.” Please contact your school nurse with any questions.
My student has an injury that will keep him out of gym for a few weeks. What should I do? Obtain a written note from the student's doctor stating the specific activity restriction and its duration. Please be sure to have the doctor write a note that states when your child is able to resume physical activity. This note should be given to the school nurse.
My student has a severe food allergy. I want to be sure that he is safe while he is at school. What do I do? Notify your school nurse and your child's teacher about your student's allergy and how he/she describes his symptoms. Have the completed medication form and any emergency medication needed at school by the first day of attendance.
What do I do if I have concerns regarding my student's vision and/or hearing? Vision and hearing screenings are done once a year at each school for specific grades, as mandated by the state. See Student Handbook for state mandates.
If you have any concerns regarding your student's vision or hearing, please contact the school nurse who will screen your student and let you know whether or not further follow up is necessary.
What happens if my child has lice? If lice is found on your child at school, the health office will contact parent/guardian. You can either come pick up your child to treat them for lice or they can remain at school for the remainder of the day and need to be treated prior to returning to school. You will be advised to have your child check in with the health office upon return. Please monitor your child and recheck every few days for 2-3 weeks. Please see Head Lice Information for Schools and Lice 101 Info Sheet regarding managing lice.