In the Boulder Valley School District, we believe in caring for the whole child. We know that before students can focus and succeed in the classroom, they must be supported physically, mentally and through a healthy environment. We look forward to providing a safe and healthy kindergarten opportunity for your student.
If you have any questions or need additional information please check the Boulder Valley School District Health Services website or contact your School’s Health Team.
IMMUNIZATIONS
State law requires all students attending Colorado schools to be vaccinated against certain diseases unless they have a medical or non-medical exemption on file.
Vaccines required to enter school Kindergarten include: Hepatitis B (HepB), Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTap), Inactivated poliovirus (IPV), Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and Varicella (chicken pox). More information on required vaccines, exemptions and rules are available at the CDPHE School Required Vaccines page: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/schoolrequiredvaccines
PHYSICALS and HEALTH SCREENINGS
Boulder Valley School District recommends that all students follow the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines to maintain optimal health, including physicals and routine health screenings, however, no physical exam is required before beginning kindergarten. All students enrolled in kindergarten will be provided a vision and hearing screening within the school year.
HEALTH CONDITIONS
If your child has a health condition that may impact them during school, please notify the school’s health team. If needed, a School Nurse will work with you to develop a health care plan to address your child’s needs during school. This is especially necessary if your child has asthma, allergies requiring emergency medications, seizures or diabetes.
MEDICATIONS
Students may receive medications at school according to Boulder Valley School District policy. However, all prescription and non-prescription medications must be maintained in the health office and be administered by a trained staff member. All medications must be delivered to the health office and be accompanied by a completed authorization form signed by a healthcare provider.
ILLNESS AT SCHOOL
If a student becomes ill at school they will be escorted to the health room. A health room paraprofessional will review their symptoms, offer support and if needed (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, injury), call a parent/guardian to pick the child up.
WHEN YOUR CHILD SHOULD STAY HOME
There are four main reasons to keep a child home from school.
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Someone who the child lives with or has had close contact with, has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
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The child does not feel well enough to take part in usual activities. For example, a child is overly tired, fussy or will not stop crying.
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A child needs more care than teachers and staff can give while still caring for the other children.
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The symptom or illness is on the CDPHE How Sick is Too Sick list, and staying home is required.
If your child is sick and you are unsure if they should attend school, call the school health team for assistance. Remember, the best way to stop the spread of infection is staying home when sick and good hand washing.
HEALTHY ACTIVITY
On a daily basis it is important for students to eat healthy, be active and get enough sleep. Learning healthy habits young provides both long-term academic and health benefits. Students in Boulder Valley School District are encouraged to get outside and move their bodies throughout the school day. Kindergarteners also learn about nutrition, hygiene, safety and other topics to get them off to a healthy start.