SCHOOL HEALTH OFFICE RESOURCES
NEW! 2025 Emergency Guidelines For Schools (Arizona Redbook) Delivery of Specialized Health Services in the School Setting
A- Z Resources
Chronic Absenteeism | Healthy Schools Campaign
Chronic Illness Form
Food Allergies | CDC
Provides school resources, including Food Allergy Facts, Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs, and a Food Allergies in Schools Tool Kit, linked below.
Food Allergies in Schools Toolkit | Healthy Schools | CDC
Latex Allergy Prevention Guide
Provides levels of response to latex with symptoms and additional resources.
Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE)
Provides resources for schools, health professionals, health educators, and families, including emergency care plans and a toolkit for classrooms.
Allergy & Asthma Network
Provides advocacy, education, resources, and downloadable infographics for schools and parents. Some available in English and Spanish.
BeeAware Allergy
Provides information and free resources in English and Spanish to help educate students and families on bee sting allergies.
NASN Allergy and Anaphylaxis
Provides resources on sample policies, protocols, and allergy/anaphylaxis management.
Arizona Resource Guide: Supporting Children with Life-Threatening Food Allergies' (2012)
Protocol for Emergency Administration of Epinephrine in School - ADHS & ADE (2019)
School Training Presentation for Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injector for Anaphylaxis - ADHS (2019)
Template: Standard Orders for Auto-Injectable Epinephrine in a School Setting - AHDS & ADE (2019)
Report Form for School Emergency Administration of Auto-Injectable Epinephrine - ADHS (2019)
Asthma | CDC
Provides information on developing, implementing, and evaluating school-based asthma programs and a toolkit for districts and schools to create asthma-friendly schools. Includes information for school leaders.
Allergy & Asthma Network
Provides education, advocacy, and resources for schools and families.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)
This professional organization is made up of allergists/immunologists, other medical specialists, allied health, and related healthcare professionals dedicated to the practice of allergy, asthma, and immunology.
American Lung Association
Resources for students, families, and schools include Asthma Basics, Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative, Asthma Medication in Schools, Back to School with Asthma Toolkit, Kickin' Asthma, and Open Airways For Schools.
Asthma Friendly Schools Initiative & Toolkit (American Lung Association)
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Provides support to individuals, schools, and communities about asthma and allergies through support, advocacy, education, and research
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | CDC
Provides symptoms, treatment, research, and recommendations.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry ADHD Resource Center
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | CDC
Provides signs, treatment, research, and recommendations.
Autism Speaks
The largest autism advocacy organization in the US, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
Center for Autism and Related Disabilities
Albany University affiliated resource center that brings research and practice together in community settings. CARD Albany provides evidence-based training and support to families and free professional development and parent seminars.
Arizona law does not require AEDs in schools. However, a school site that obtains an AED is not authorized to allow its use until all requirements of the state law have been met at that site.
Here are the Arizona laws for AEDs.
Note: The law does not require or indicate what type of AED should be utilized in schools. When considering which AED to purchase, consider these 5 important factors: total cost of ownership, size and weight, connectivity, pediatric capabilities, and fully automatic vs. semi-automatic.
Automated External Defibrillators | |
Definitions | |
Automated external defibrillators: use, requirements | |
Civil liability; limited immunity; Good Samaritan | |
Exemption from regulations |
AEDs In Schools
It is important to advocate for AEDs in our schools as AEDs can drastically improve the survival rate of students and adults in schools who suffer from sudden cardiac arrest.1 Once trained, anyone can use an AED; here are some tips to follow when implementing AEDs in your school.
- AEDs should be within 3 minutes of every location within the school. Each school is different and may have a different policy on where to place their AEDs, but you may want to ensure they are placed near the gymnasium, in the main lobby, with the nurse, with the athletic trainer, and/or in the middle of the hallways.
- A designated staff member should be responsible for maintaining all AEDs within the school. This means doing monthly maintenance checks such as ensuring the battery and pads are plugged in, ensuring the machine is not beeping, and checking the Active Status Indicator Light is flashing green. A log of all monthly maintenance checks should be kept to be sure the AED is ready to be used.
- A Cardiac Emergency Action Plan is a written plan that explains the exact actions that will take place in an emergency. These actions should be very clear and very specific. Click here for sample plans that can be utilized at your school.
- Implement Life-Saving Drills to be prepared for a sudden cardiac arrest emergency. This will help the Cardiac Response Team practice their Cardiac Emergency Action Plan to help save a life in an emergency. These drills should be done once annually, as cardiac arrest can affect anyone at any age, and it is crucial these steps are in place to give someone the best possible chance of surviving
Andersen LW, Holmberg MJ, Granfeldt A, Lofgren B, Vellano K, McNally BF, et al. on behalf of the CARES Surveillance Group. Neighborhood characteristics, bystander automated external defibrillator use, and patient outcomes in public out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Resuscitation 2018;126:72–79.
Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome
The SADS Foundation recommends that all children with a SADS condition have an Individualized Care Plan, a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, and an AED program at their school. If you have a SADS child at your school and have not had a discussion with their parents about care plans, we strongly suggest you do so today. Please view the SADS Foundation School Nurse webpage for additional information, support, and resources.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
School Nurses’ Perceived Barriers and Perceptual Influences When Implementing AED Programs
Project Adam: CPR & AED Resources
Project Adam Arizona Affiliate
Register your AED: Save Hearts in Arizona Registry and Education (AZ SHARE)
Bloodborne Infectious Disease Risk Factors | CDC
Provides information and resources for prevention.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration Resources (OSHA):
Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention
This webpage provides an overview of bloodborne pathogens, including standards, guidance, hazard recognition, evaluating and controlling exposure, and other helpful information.
Bloodborne Pathogen Standard 1910.130
Provides all required elements of the OSHA Standard applicable to all occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials.
Bloodborne Pathogens Plan Fact Sheet
Provides a quick overview of the BBP standard.
Model Exposure Control Plans for Bloodborne Pathogens Standards (OSHA)
Provides a model exposure control plan to meet the requirements of the OSHA bloodborne standard. The written plans must be accessible to all employees, either online or in an area where they are available for review.
Frequently Asked BBP Questions (OSHA)
Provides a list of answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding BBP standards and provides regional office contact information.
Be Real's BodyKind High School, Body Image Curriculum
Be Real created BodyKind to provide a research-based, high school body image curriculum to address the needs of today's students. The FREE curriculum includes 4-lessons for high school, worksheets, classroom slides and training videos for teachers. It includes what the field of eating disorder prevention has learned from 20 years of research on body image and eating disorder prevention. They have also added evidence-based self-compassion tools for students to use when they compare themselves to images of people they see on social media.
The FREE Let's Eat! weight-neutral nutrition lessons encourage young people to listen to their unique needs and body cues to figure out how and what to eat. These lessons are designed to help prevent body dissatisfaction and eating disorders. The Let's Eat! Curriculum is appropriate for middle and high school students and includes lesson plans, classroom slides, worksheets, and training videos for teachers. Teachers can access Let's Eat! by registering at BE REAL's Resource Site.
National Association of School Nurses - Prevention and Intervention of Bullying and Cyberbullying in Schools
NASN position statement, which includes a summary, background, rationale, and resources on bullying for school nurses.
National Association of School Psychologists - A Framework for School-Wide Bullying Prevention and Safety
Provides resources for schools and families to support children and youth through crisis and trauma, including a specific section on bullying.
National Library of Medicine-Bullying and Cyberbullying
MedlinePlus offers resources, prevention strategies, and risk factors for school health professionals, parents, and students.
StopBullying.gov
A federal government website managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services offers resources and guidance on bullying: What is Bullying, Cyberbullying, Who is at Risk, Prevent Bullying, Get Help, and other resources for school health professionals.
American Cancer Society
Provides A-Z resources, treatment and support, research, and involvement opportunities.
Care in Children and Adolescents
Information includes prevalence, outlook, possible causes, differences in cancer between adults and children, treatment, clinical trials, and things to consider for childhood cancer survivors.
Childhood Cancer
Provides information for parents regarding childhood cancer, such as what cancer is, treatment, and coping.
CPR | AED Resources
American Heart Association (AHA)
Resources for the Educator
Anyone Can Save A Life
Voluntary emergency action planning program after-school program which trains students for after-school practices and events.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR): First aid - Mayo Clinic
Blood Pressure Management
A Pocket Guide to Blood Pressure Measurement in Children
Heart Disease Awareness
Go Red for Women
Tools and resources to empower women to take charge of their heart health.
Heart Disease Information for National Heart Month-February (CDC)
Support Organizations
SADS (Sudden Arrhythmia Death Syndrome Foundation)
Provides resources for school personnel and families on sudden arrhythmia death syndrome (SADS).
Connected by Hearts Young Survivors Group
Provides education, support, and networking to young cardiac arrest survivors or those living with heart-related illnesses. This website is designed by young people for young people.
Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation
Provides information on sports safety, focusing on placing AEDs in schools, education on commotio cordis, and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).
Parent Heart Watch
Resources for advocacy and education for schools and families about sudden cardiac arrest.
Beyond Celiac Resources
Information For School Resource Page
Gluten-Free Webinar Archives
Here you will find PDFs and links to past Webinars available for download.
Beyond Celiac PDF Files for Downloading
Importance of School Nurse Education & How-To Strategies for Parents of Gluten-Free Kids
Cerebral Palsy (CP) | CP
CP is the most common motor disability in childhood, and children with CP and their families need support. Learn more about CP and what signs to look for in young children.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Resources
Cerebral Palsy: Hope Through Research | National Institute of Neurological Disorders
This webpage provides detailed information regarding what constitutes cerebral palsy, early signs, causes, risk factors, prevention, different forms, associated conditions, diagnosis, treatment, special health challenges for adults, research, and other resources.
CDC Heads Up Concussion Resources
Heads Up - Safe Brain. Stronger Future.
Keeping children and teens healthy and safe is always a top priority. Whether you are a parent, youth sports coach, school coach, school professional, or healthcare provider, this site will help you recognize, respond to, and minimize the risk of concussion or other serious brain injury.
Heads Up Resources
Provides online, print, and video materials along with Head Injury Concussion Resources for physicians, coaches, school nurses, teachers, and counselors.
Heads Up for Schools
Provides online concussion training for school professionals and tools and resources for school personnel, coaches, and parents.
Healthy Schools: Oral Health | CDC
- Cavity-Free AZ Sealant Program: School-based Sealant Program, Fluoride Mouth Rinse Program, and Fluoride Varnish Program
Dental Assistance Programs
ADA Give Kids A Smile® Program
This program enhances the oral health of large numbers of needy children. Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) activities also highlight for policy makers the ongoing challenges that disadvantaged families face in finding dental care. Find a program.
Smiles Change Lives
This program promotes and provides access to orthodontic care for qualified young people aged 10-18 from low-income families nationwide.
Seal a Smile Oral Health Services
The Healthy Capital District Initiative works to increase access to coverage, provides health planning expertise, and supports health prevention programs across the Capital Region.
Professional Dental Organizations
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
Professional association of general dentists. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management, and overall coordination of services related to patient's oral health needs.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
is a membership organization representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Pediatric dentistry is one of the nine recognized dental specialties of the American Dental Association. Pediatric dentists complete two to three years of additional specialized training (after the required four years of dental school) to prepare them for treating a wide variety of children's dental problems.
American Dental Association (ADA)
Is the oldest and largest national dental society in the world. Since then, the ADA has grown to become the leading source of oral health-related information for dentists and their patients.
Dental Resources for Students with Special Health Care Needs
Autism Dental Information Guide for Dental Professionals
This guide was created for dental professionals to use in supporting families with children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This information can help facilitate more positive experiences for parents/ caregivers, the dental team providing treatment, and the child on the autism spectrum.
Focus on Children and Adolescents with Special Health Care Needs National Maternal and Child Oral Health Resource Center
This series of five modules is designed to provide health professionals with information to help ensure that children with special health care needs have access to health promotion and disease prevention services that address their unique oral health needs in a comprehensive, family-centered, and community-based manner.
Smiles for Life
Teeth Whitening for Disabled Children March through June, hundreds of dental practices professionally whiten teeth to raise money for underprivileged and disabled children.
American Diabetes Association - Arizona Revised Statutes (15-344.01)
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
HHS: Application of FERPA and HIPAA to Student Health Records
Influenza in Arizona - ADHS Schools & Childcare Facilities
ADHS Toolkit: Guidelines for Controlling Influenza-Like Illness Outbreaks in Schools and Childcare Facilities (2020)
Guidance for School Administrators to Help Reduce the Spread of Seasonal Influenza in K-12 Schools
ADHS Sensory Screening Program
Updated (2024) Hearing and Vision Screening Guidance
ADHS Sensory Screening Program Training
Arizona Revised State Statutes and Rules: Hearing Screening
Please see the ADHS, Schools and Child Care Centers - Immunization Requirements & Forms webpage for all necessary information.
Immunization Data Reports (IDRs)
TAPI Immunization Resources for School Nurses & Health Office Staff
Communicable Disease Reporting - ADHS Schools & Childcare Facilities
'Infectious Disease Flip Chart' (ADHS 2017) This Flip Chart serves as a reference guide for individuals responsible for the health and safety of children in school and childcare settings.
Lice Lessons: NASN Tools For School Nurses An educational initiative designed to help school nurses reduce fear and stigma and help parents navigate treatment choices.
Mental Health Webinar: A Guide for School Nurse & Health Staff (Nov 2021) / PDF Slides ADE partnered with Touchstone Health Services, Teen Lifeline, and Project AWARE to educate Arizona school nurses and health office staff on how to identify and respond to common mental health challenges youth face in relation to COVID-19. Click the link below and enter the passcode to access the recorded event!
Addressing Anxiety & Stress (NASN)
Mental Health Resources (NASN)
Additional Information is available at: Accessing Behavioral Health Services in Schools.
School & Behavioral Health Partnerships: A Resource Guide
NEW: School-Based Universal Referral Form
How is the Program Doing? AHCCCS wants to hear from schools using: The School Feedback Form
CDC Monkeypox Resources
Schools, Early Care and Education Programs, and Other Settings Serving Children or Adolescents (FAQ)
Disinfecting Home and Other Non-Healthcare Settings
What You Need to Know about Monkeypox if You Are a Teen or Young Adult
Reducing Stigma in Monkeypox Communication and Community Engagement
Information For Healthcare Professionals
The resources below can support building healthy environments that support student health and academic achievement.
Arizona Summer Food Service Program
ADHS Nutrition and Physical Activity
The Language of Health Style Guide
ADE Comprehensive School Wellness
Health & Nutrition Services (ADE)
Healthy Schools: Obesity (CDC)
School Representatives - Nutrition & Physical Activity (ADHS)
Arizona offers three stock medication programs for schools: Stock Inhalers, Epinephrine, and Narcan. A school may decide to participate in none, one, two, or all programs. The following information will help you learn more about each program and the necessary steps to complete to offer these programs at your school.
Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) offers an online program, the School Surveillance and Medication Program (SSMP), to assist schools in participating in the stock programs. The SSMP walks you through the requirements, including annual training and items that will be needed to implement the program. Currently, MCDPH is working with all Arizona public and charter schools to implement the stock inhaler and epinephrine programs, collecting data and offering the annual standing orders, once schools sign up through the SSMP and follow the requirements. By starting with the SSMP site, you will gather the information and tips to establish a stock medication program. For schools to participate, they must enroll in the School Surveillance and Medication Program (SSMP) web application. After completing and submitting each of the requirements, your school can obtain and receive annual standing orders and a prescription from the MCDPH Medical Director.
The Stock Albuterol Program in Schools was put in place in 2017 by state law HB 2208, Emergency administration of inhalers by trained personnel; immunity; definitions, and is in law as ARS 15-158. The Arizona Asthma Coalition has a thorough description of the program. Questions specific to the implementation may be sent to Ashley Lowe via email at [email protected] and [email protected]
New! Training: Stock Albuterol Inhaler Training for School Personnel 2023-2024
The Stock Epinephrine Program in School. If a school opts to implement the Stock Inhaler Program there are rules, R7-2-810 Emergency Administration of Inhalers, in place by the State Board of Education regarding training, obtaining the medication standing order, and administering procedures in emergencies.
This program was put into place in 2018 by state law HB 2085, Emergency administration of epinephrine auto-injectors by trained personnel; immunity and is in law as ARS 15-157.
If a school opts to implement the Stock Epinephrine Program, there are rules, R7-2-809 Emergency Administration of Auto-Injectable Epinephrine, in place by the State Board of Education regarding training, storage, and use of the medication in schools. The Kyah Rayne Foundation also helps with the Stock Epinephrine Program in Schools.
- New! Training: Kyah’s EPICourse 2-23-2024
- This e-learning course provides mandatory training for school personnel designated to administer the epinephrine auto-injector.
The Stock Narcan Program is part of the AZ Opioid Epidemic Act/Action Plan implemented in 2018. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has a website with information offering a standing order for Narcan and a form to complete to receive a supply of the medication. ADHS also offers some links to Narcan administration training, though none are specific for schools. Development of training for schools is in development, and discussions are underway to incorporate the Stock Narcan Program within the SSMP. This site will be revised as updates are available. The SSMP Program can also support this, and Naloxone for School Personnel training will be available soon.
In 2022, SB 1654 Schools; seizure management; treatment plans was introduced in the State of Arizona 55th Legislature Second Regular session and was signed by the Governor on April 29, 2022. The bill became ARS 15-160.02 and included language for the Board of Education to adopt rules as necessary to administer this law. Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, the parent or guardian of a student who has a seizure disorder and who is enrolled in a school that is operated by a school district or a charter school in Arizona may submit to the school district or charter school in which the student is enrolled a copy of a seizure management and treatment plan for school personnel to use if the student suffers a seizure at school or while participating in a school-sponsored activity. The plan must be developed by the student’s parent or guardian and the physician or registered nurse practitioner responsible for the student’s seizure treatment. The law also stipulates a review of the plan and training for school staff. Below are resources and information to assist schools with law implementation. In June 2024, the Board of Education approved rules to accompany implementation of ARS 15-160.02.
Introduction of SB1654; Schools; Seizure management; Treatment Plans Resources:
15-160.02 Law: Seizure Management and Treatment Plans
Arizona State Board of Education: Approved Training & Related Training Requirements:
AZSBE Website and Submission of Personalized Trainings
Training Review Guidelines for School Nurses
Training Review Guidelines: Other School Personnel
Board-Approved Epilepsy Foundation Seizure Safe Schools Courses
New! Seizure Action Plan (SAP) Templates (2024):
Arizona Seizure Action Plan – Fillable (must download)
Arizona Seizure Action Plan – Non-Fillable (must download)
Arizona Seizure Action Plan - Black and White Non-Fillable (must download)
Additional Resources:
CDC Epilepsy Data and Statistics
School Nursing Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Students with Seizures and Epilepsy
Passcode: TbhB!q3x
CDC Resources
Epilepsy in Schools Guidance
Provides tools and programs to help schools better support children with Epilepsy. The CDC partners with the Epilepsy Foundation and links to their free training programs for schools.
Epilepsy Foundation Resources
What is Epilepsy - Types of Seizures
Provides information on the different types of seizures, how they are classified, and how different symptoms are described during a seizure.
Seizure Training for School Nurses: Caring for Students
The program is designed to provide the school nurse with information, strategies, and resources that will enable them to better manage the student with seizures by supporting positive treatment outcomes, maximizing educational and developmental opportunities, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment. The program consists of seven modules to assist the school nurse in learning to effectively manage seizures in a school environment.
Seizure Training for School Personnel
Designed for people who work with children and youth in school settings. This program provides an overview of seizures and epilepsy, seizure first aid, seizure action plans, rescue therapies, seizure emergencies, and how to support students in school settings.
School Education
Epilepsy awareness educational programs for students are provided upon request to the Epilepsy Foundation.
ADHS Sensory Screening Program
Updated (2024) Hearing and Vision Screening Guidance
ADHS Sensory Screening Program Training
Arizona Revised State Statutes and Rules: Vision Screening
Nursing Licensure & Scope of Practice Resources
Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA) supports advancement of the nursing profession to promote a healthy Arizona.
The mission of the Arizona State Board of Nursing(AZBN) is to protect and promote the welfare of the public by ensuring that each person holding a nursing license or certificate is competent to practice safely.
The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) focuses on five areas, that together, ensure that school nurses are equipped to address the comprehensive health needs of students on:
- Student-Centered Care: NASN emphasizes the role of school nurses in providing quality health care to students, addressing both physical and mental health to promote academic success.
- Leadership: NASN promotes leadership development among school nurses, empowering them to influence health policies and practices within schools and communities.
- Advocacy: NASN is committed to advocating for policies at local, state, and national levels that support the health and well-being of students, as well as ensuring access to school health services.
- Quality Improvement: NASN focuses on improving the quality of school health services by supporting evidence-based practice, data collection, and continuous professional development.
- Community and Public Health: NASN emphasizes the importance of school nurses in public health, working to prevent illness, manage chronic conditions, and promote health education in the broader school community.
The School Nurses Organization of Arizona (SNOA) advocates for and supports the health and educational success of Arizona‘s children by promoting the advancement of professional school nursing.
Local & National Programs, Agencies & Organizations
Arizona Child Abuse Info Center
Arizona Department of Education (ADE); Exceptional Student Services (ESS), Health & Nutrition Services (HNS), Project AWARE
Arizona Department of Health Services: School Nursing
Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS); Tobacco & Chronic Disease
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA)
Arizona School Health & Wellness Coalition
Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB)
Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN); School Nurse FAQs
Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona
Cerebral Palsy Network - Arizona Chapter
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona
Phoenix Children's Comprehensive Sleep Clinic
Personal Belief Exemptions Map
School Nurses Organization of Arizona (SNOA)
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAI)
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
American Heart Association (AHA)
American Public Health Association (APHA)
American School Health Association (ASHA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Healthy Schools
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Nemours KidsHealth: Health Education Teacher's Guide (PreK-12)
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
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