School Nursing/School Health Services
Providing comprehensive school health services
School Health Services
All children in the State of Alaska regardless of their health status or special needs, the School Health Services Program supports comprehensive school health services ideally provided by professional school nurses.
Over 133,000 children attend Alaska’s 54 public school districts. Federal laws mandate that each child has a right to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.
School Nursing Services
The school nurse is the professional who serves in a pivotal role to provide expertise and oversight of the provision of school health services, which address barriers to learning. School nurses serve as an extension of the public health system. They support student success by providing health care assessment, intervention, and follow-up for all children within the school setting.
School attendance is linked to academic success and graduation rates. A higher nurse to student ratio is associated with better attendance rates. School nurses improve attendance through health promotion, disease prevention and disease management.
More time in the classroom provides more time for learning and increases a student’s chance for success. School nurses keep students in school where they can learn.
School Health Nurse Consultants
School Health Nurse Consultants work with school districts across the state to:
- Develop and update guidelines for school health services
- Formulate school screening guidelines
- Plan and offer educational opportunities for school nurses
- Support and provide resources for school nurse leaders across the state
- Collect and disseminate data regarding school health services in Alaska
- Encourage, provide resources, and consultation for districts with minimal health services
- Assist the Department of Education and Early Development with health policy directives
Resources
Related Services
Related Education
Related Resources
Other Related Organizations
Contact
State of Alaska, Division of Public HealthSection of Women's, Children's, and Family Health3601 C Street, Suite 322Anchorage, AK 99503
Wendy A. Williams, BSN, RN, NCSNSchool Health Nurse Consultant II