Policy 704

New Brunswick's Education Act states that in order for children to participate in school programs, and attend school, careful attention must be given to the provision of proper Health Support Services. Health Support Services are those services that would normally be rendered at home by the parent or guardian of the student in order to relieve discomfort, that needs to be provided during school hours, and, which cannot be given at another time of the day. All school personnel are impacted under these obligations, and whether or not a nurse is on the premises, the responsibility remains.

Children with diabetes in this province are considered to require Essential Routine Services. Parents are required to meet with school personnel before the beginning of each school year to set or review the student's care plan and complete the Health Support and Care Form. In conjunction with the school, they are to participate in a training session on life-threatening conditions and include teaching and support staff.

The school district is to designate school personnel other than the teacher who will be participating in providing routine care procedures. There must be more than one staff member trained to provide an alternate person in case of absence or unavailability.

Designated personnel must participate in the meeting with the parent or guardian in order to get a clear understanding of the student's needs.

Students are required to wear proper medical identification (such as Medic Alert). They are also to carry emergency supplies with them at all times.

Should parents or guardians, following notification, refuse to participate in developing an individual care plan with the school, the principal shall:

Send a letter to the parents or guardians reminding them that their refusal to cooperate appears to be placing the security of the student at risk, according to their obligation under the Family Services Act.

To view the policy in its entirety and Health Support and Care Form go to

http://www.gnb.ca/0000/pol/e/704A.pdf  and http://www.gnb.ca/0000/pol/e/704AB.pdf

The Department of Education has no official position on the administering of glucagon. Individual school districts have been handling requests as they are encountered. So far, it is believed that only one school district has received a request and they did make arrangements to accommodate.

 A Handbook for Type 1 Diabetes in Schools

Newfoundland and Labrador

The Model for Coordination of Services to Children and Youth provides for the implementation of the Individual Support Services Plan (ISSP). This document records the strengths, needs, goals, and objectives as well as the needed supports and services that a child with diabetes would require.

Please note with changes pending to the structure on school boards in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador individual board policies may change.

This does not necessarily mean other districts have not also been approached. May 2003

Eastern School District

Administration of Medication in schools The use and storage of insulin is mentioned in this policy. Unlike allergies, diabetes does not have a separate and specific care and policy statement. Needles and insulin must be stored. A sharps container should be provided. Glucagon must be kept close to the student at all times. Diabetes supplies shall be stored in a place that is accessible to student and educated staff. An annual in service should be arranged by the administrator each year. Special education teachers will assist in blood glucose monitoring. Teachers may be taught by the Community Health Nurse how to give injections.

Western School District

This board does not seem to have adopted any new policies but shows all policies from the previous boards at this time. One such board is noted below.

Cormack Trail School Board
http://www.cormacktrail.k12.nf.ca/school_board/policiesmanual/506.htm

Nova Scotia

Halifax Regional School Board: Administration of Medication and/or Medical Procedures to Students Policy  Insulin will only be administered by a health professional, student or parent. Parents can request assistance with glucose testing.

Strait Regional School Board:  While there is no specific policy in place, each school is required to have a detailed medical plan for children with special needs. It is to be developed with parents, health care workers, and school personnel.

Prince Edward Island
There are currently no specific related diabetes policies in place with either the province of Prince Edward Island or the three school districts in the province. There are forms relating to the administering of medication.

Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories has a Departmental Directive on Inclusive Schooling which states “Inclusive Schooling is a philosophical and practical educational approach, which strives to respond to individual students needs, and is intended to ensure equal access for all students to educational programs offered in regular classroom settings” (February 1993). A student who has medical needs as a part of his/her educational program is supported through the school administration of the school he/she attends. The school receives additional funding for supporting students with special needs. These funds may be used to hire educational assistants to help meet the medical needs of students in their classrooms.

Schools also have access to medical support and teaching from the public health nurses in Yellowknife and the community health nurses in communities outside Yellowknife. Health professionals often provide the necessary medical service(s) required for students with severe medical conditions or provide the training to school personnel who then can provide the medical support needed.

Policy explained as per Dan Daniels, Assistant Deputy Minister Education and Culture NWT

Nunavut
There is currently no policy in place relating to diabetes. School staff would not do injections. Home and Community Care nurses could come to the school to provide this service if it were required. Issues relating to diabetes would be looked at on a case by case basis in concert with the Health Centers.

Information provided by Margaret Joyce, Student Support Coordinator, Department of Education, Nunavut.

Yukon
No policy available for this Territory at this time. 

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