In order to be in compliance with requirements for school entry, you must prepare to submit the following records to the PACE registration nurse. Medical clearance from the nurse is needed in order to complete the registration process.
PHYSICAL EXAM
A physical exam that is completed within one year prior to enrollment or within 30 days after school entry.
The physical exam results and physician's, physician assistant's or nurse practitioner's recommendations need to be documented on a health record form approved by the Department of Public Health.
VISION EXAM
The physical exam should include documentation that the child has passed a vision screening within the previous 12 months.
For children who fail the vision screening, and for children diagnosed with neurodevelopmental delay, proof of a comprehensive eye examination (performed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist) indicating any pertinent diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, recommendation, and evidence of follow-up treatment (if necessary) shall be provided.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Minimum immunization requirement for entry into child care or preschool, for children two years and older:
4 or more doses of DTaP
3 or more doses of polio
1 dose of MMR
1 to 4 doses of Hib
3 doses of hepatitis B
1 dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or physician-certified history of chickenpox
TB RISK ASSESSMENT
Documentation of a completed Tuberculosis Risk Assessment, completed within one year prior to school entrance is required for all incoming students. In the case of identified risk factors, follow-up documentation is also required (i.e. negative results of a Tuberculin Test, lab testing results, or a health provider follow-up).
LEAD
Documentation of a completed lead level.
It is recommended that medication be administered at home. However, students who must receive medication during the school day are required to comply with MA DPH regulations. These regulations require the following forms to be kept on file in your child's health record before we begin to give any medications in school. These completed forms will need to be submitted to the PACE nurse in order to complete the registration for your child
Signed consent by the parent or legal guardian to give the medication.
Signed medication order completed and signed by your child's licensed prescriber
Please note that all medication orders must be renewed at the beginning of each academic year
Medications will only be accepted by the school nurse when brought in by a parent/guardian/designated responsible adult and the medication must be in a pharmacy-sealed bag as dispensed by the pharmacy or manufacturer-labeled and sealed container.
Please ask your pharmacy to provide separate bottles for school and for home. No more than a 30 day supply of the medication should be sent to school at one time.
Over-the-counter medications, including Tylenol and ibuprofen, will not be given in school without the required signed medication forms.