Health Services

KIPP Texas School Health Services team consists of nurses and clinic coordinators who service all of our KIPP schools. Our Nurses and Clinic Coordinators provide a warm and welcoming environment for students to receive individualized health care. We work very closely with mental health, nutrition, and school staff to ensure your child’s health needs are advocated. Our goal is to support KIPPsters and families to have the best school experience and bring joy.

We offer the following Health Services:

• First Aid Care
• Emergency Care Services
• Crisis Intervention
• Medication Administration
• Perform skilled nursing care procedures
• Case manage students with chronic health conditions
• Provide resources for immunizations and free eye glasses
• Provide medical referrals for healthcare services
• Screen and refer students for vision, hearing, scoliosis, and diabetes risk
• Provide health education to students, staff, and parents

We aim to support students by reducing absenteeism, academic failure, and school dropouts related to health barriers. If we can provide any of these services for your child, please directly contact your site based nurse/clinic coordinator.

Find Your School

Immunization Requirements & Exemptions

Texas State law requires that all children attending school be immunized against various childhood diseases. During registration, a copy of the current updated student’s immunization record is required. The nurse/clinic coordinator/designee will evaluate the student’s immunization record and notify the parent/guardian of any other required immunizations. Students must maintain updated immunizations or be current on the catch-up schedule while attending a public school. KIPP Texas Public Schools are required by Texas law to abide by the no shots-no school requirements.

Students with a medical condition that are not able to receive vaccines, parents may submit a medical exemption from their healthcare provider. A student that has had varicella (chicken pox) disease, parents may complete the History of Varicella Disease form. All other exemptions (Religious or Reason of Conscience), parents must submit the completed notarized original affidavit from the Texas Department of Health Services (DSHS) to be kept in the student’s permanent folder until the student transfers to another school. Students must have the original processed notarized affidavit before registering for school. See 25 Texas Administrative Code Section 97.63 for a list of required vaccines.

• Pre-K Immunization Requirements
• K-12 Immunization Requirements
• Health Clinic Locator: Looking for a health clinic near you? Use the Texas Department of State Health Services Health Clinic Locator to find locations offering immunizations and other health services. 
• Exemptions/Waivers

Students requiring medication administration during school hours must have a physician’s order signed by their healthcare provider and the parent/guardian. A new physician’s order is required every school year to authorize the school nurse/clinic coordinator or designee to administer medications to students. Over the counter medications must have a physician’s order to be administered during school hours. Students can only self-carry emergency medications with a physician’s orders signed by the healthcare provider and parent/guardian stating permission to self-carry. Please contact the school nurse/clinic coordinator for support if your child requires medications during school hours.

Students requiring treatments and special medical procedures during school hours must have a physician’s order signed by the healthcare provider and parent/guardian. Parents should contact the school nurse/clinic coordinator for support. Examples of special procedures may include but are not limited to tracheostomy care, tube feedings, urinary catheterizations, dressing changes, and ostomy care.

• Physician Request/Authorization for Prescribed Medication

Emergency Medical Treatment

If a student has a medical emergency at school or at a school-related activity, the school may call 911 emergency medical services. Parents should keep emergency care information up-to-date (list of emergency contacts, current phone numbers, allergies etc.). Please contact the appropriate school personnel to update any information.

Health History

Your child’s health history will help the school nurse/clinic coordinator support the student while at school. The health staff will review the physical and mental health history for any needed care during school. The health information you record on the Health History form during registration will become a part of your child’s school health record and remain confidential. Please contact your child’s school nurse/clinic coordinator if your KIPPster has a health condition or any changes that may need attention.

Guidelines for the Care of Students with Food Allergies At-Risk for Anaphylaxis

To report your child’s allergies to the school, please contact your child’s school nurse/clinic coordinator and/or have your primary healthcare provider complete and send the Emergency Care Plan for Students with Food Allergies form here.

• Guidelines for the Care of Students with Food Allergies At-Risk for Anaphylaxis

Every KIPP school has 1-2 school based mental health team members. These are counselors or social workers that support the mental health of every student at KIPP Texas. Some of the services that they offer include:

• Individual Counseling
• Group Counseling
• Crisis Counseling
• Campus-Wide Initiatives/ Events
• Community & Family Psychoeducation/ Response
• Parent Education classes/Workshops
• Community Resources

Student Assistance Form