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Tips for Parents

Back to School-Back to Healthy! Are you Ready? We hope that you find this checklist to be helpful to get your child healthy and ready for school.

Back to School, Back to Healthy!

A healthy child is better prepared to learn, grow, and succeed in school. We hope this checklist helps you prepare your child for a healthy and successful school year.

As partners in your child's education, we share the responsibility of supporting student success. Taking care of important health needs before the first day of school helps ensure your child is ready to learn from day one.

Immunizations

South Carolina law requires all students to have a current South Carolina Certificate of Immunization on file at school. This certificate may be obtained from your child's healthcare provider or your local health department. For additional information about South Carolina immunization requirements, contact your school nurse or visit the South Carolina Department of Public Health website.

Severe Allergies

If your child requires an epinephrine auto-injector or epinephrine nasal spray for severe allergic reactions, please:

  • Bring the medication to school in its original pharmacy-labeled container.
  • Verify that the medication has not expired.
  • Submit a completed Permission for School Administration of Prescription Medication form. Forms must be completed and dated on or after July 1 of the current school year.

Asthma

If your child has asthma and may need an inhaler during the school day:

  • Provide the school with a current inhaler in its original pharmacy-labeled container.
  • Submit a completed Permission for School Administration of Prescription Medication form signed by your child's healthcare provider.
  • Forms must be completed and dated on or after July 1 of the current school year to be valid for that school year.

Seizure Disorders

If your child has a seizure disorder requiring medication or emergency treatment at school:

  • Provide the prescribed medication in its original pharmacy-labeled container.
  • Submit either a current Seizure Action Plan or Permission for School Administration of Prescription Medication form completed and signed by your child's healthcare provider.
  • Forms must be completed and dated on or after July 1 of the current school year.

Diabetes

Students with diabetes should meet with the school nurse before the first day of school to review their healthcare needs and develop an individualized care plan.

Please bring:

  • All diabetes supplies needed during the school day.
  • A completed Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) signed by your child's healthcare provider.

A new Diabetes Medical Management Plan is required each school year and must be completed and dated on or after July 1 of the current school year.

Special Medical Procedures

If your child requires a special medical procedure during the school day:

  • Notify the school nurse before school begins.
  • Provide all necessary medical supplies and equipment.
  • Submit a completed Horry County Schools Special Medical Procedures form completed and dated on or after July 1 of the current school year.

Dental Care

Regular dental care is an important part of your child's overall health. It is recommended that children receive a dental examination before entering preschool and kindergarten and continue routine dental visits throughout their school years.

If your child is experiencing tooth pain, cavities, or other dental problems, schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. Untreated dental issues can affect your child's ability to concentrate, participate, and learn at school.

Vision Care

If your child wears glasses, make sure they are in good condition before school starts. If glasses are broken, lost, or no longer effective, schedule an eye examination as soon as possible.

School Health Screenings

As recommended by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH), Horry County Schools conducts health screenings for students in selected grade levels. These screenings may include vision, hearing, and other health assessments. Parents or guardians may choose to opt their child out of these screenings by following district procedures.

 

We look forward to partnering with you for a safe, healthy, and successful school year!