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Nursing and Health Evaluations:
How Health Needs Affect the School Day
A Nursing and Health evaluation looks at how a student’s health or medical needs affect their access to education and what health-related support they need at school. Cognitive Diagnostic Associates provides independent nursing and health evaluations as part of an Independent Educational Evaluation.
What is a Nursing and Health Evaluation
School nurse services and school health services are related services under the IDEA when a student needs them to benefit from special education. This evaluation reviews the student’s health and developmental history, current health conditions, any medications or procedures needed during the school day, and how the student’s health affects attendance, stamina, safety, and participation in learning.
When to consider an independent Nursing and Health Evaluation
Families often request an independent evaluation when a student has a health condition that affects school and they disagree with the school’s health assessment, when they and the school disagree about the level of nursing or health support the student needs, or when a student’s health needs have changed.
What does a Nursing and Health Evaluation involve
Our evaluator reviews school and health records, interviews parents and school staff, and looks at how the student’s health needs are currently handled at school. The written report describes the student’s health-related needs during the school day and includes recommendations for the IEP team to consider, such as health services, staff training, emergency planning, and accommodations.
What a Nursing and Health Evaluation Gives the IEP Team
This evaluation gives the IEP team a clear picture of a student’s health needs at school. It can:
1. Document the student’s health conditions and how they affect learning and attendance.
2. Identify the health services or nursing support the student needs during the school day.
3. Describe safety and emergency considerations for school staff.
4. Recommend accommodations, staff training, and health-related supports for the team to consider.