Staying Healthy With WCS Health Services

Published July 27, 2016

Remaining healthy is vital to your child’s growth and education. The Williamson County Schools Health Services Department is committed to providing students with a healthy environment and reducing health-related issues that can hinder learning.

All 44 Williamson County Schools are staffed with a licensed nurse. These nurses train staff to meet health needs for students and are available during the school day.

Medications

If a parent’s child needs to take medication during school hours, the parent should read the WCS Medication Protocol. WCS requires that all medications, both prescription and non-prescription, must be brought to the school nurse by the parent/guardian with the appropriate completed authorization form. Parents can view and print authorization forms by going to WCS Health Services Website, clicking on “forms” and choosing the form they wish to view.

The proper authorization procedure must be completed before the medication can be administered by the student or with assistance by staff during the school day. Students are not allowed to carry medications at school except those for use in an emergency situation and prescribed by the child’s healthcare provider.

Immunizations

Immunizations are a must. According to Tennessee law, students who have not met the State’s Immunization Requirements will not be allowed to attend school. Parents should check with their family physician as soon as possible to make sure their child’s immunization requirements have been met before the first day of school, which is Friday, August 5.

TN Department of Health Certificates of Immunization will be required of each student prior to the first day of attendance for all new WCS students and those entering day care, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and seventh grade. Parents and guardians can obtain the properly completed certificate from the TN Health Department or a healthcare provider licensed in Tennessee.

Medical Needs

WCS is committed to making sure each and every student is properly cared for. If students have medical needs requiring accommodations or potential emergency medical needs requiring a health plan to be in place, a school nurse will work with the student’s parent/guardian and health care provider for necessary accommodations to aid in the student’s safety and well-being in the school setting.

For any questions regarding medications, procedures or authorization forms, parents/guardians may contact the school nurse at their child’s school.