FAQs around starting SHC
What is the first step in starting an SBHC?
What additional steps are needed?
Who should be involved in the planning?
What are facility start-up costs?
What services should be offered?
What kind of staff is needed?
Where should the SHC be located?
What procedures need to be in place to operate a SHC?
Can the SHC serve more than one school?

FAQs for parents, students, concerned citizens
What is a SCHOOL HEALTH CENTERS?
What is the cost to me?
What costs am I responsible for?
How do I sign my child/children up?
What happens if my child is home sick and school is open?
What happens if my child is sick and school is closed?
How does my child receive services?
What if my child already has a doctor?
I am an undocumented immigrant.  Can my child be seen at the SHC?
My child is an undocumented immigrant.  Can he or she be seen at the SHC?
My child does not have a Social Security Number.  Can he or she be seen at the SHC?

Questions around starting SHC What is the first step in starting a SHC?

The first step is to learn as much as you can about SHCs by collecting preliminary information about health needs of your students: Why do you need a SHC?
Identify a few key supporters including the school nurse, school counselors, principal; community health center, health department, private physicians, and parent leaders. Anticipate the possibility of public resistance and develop a support base before participating in activities such as committee meetings or public hearings.  Finally, have a health care entity willing to take a lead role in planning and implementation. [TOP]

What additional steps are needed?
Determine how feasible this option is - you must have the support of key people in the community. Is there space available in the school? Are there possibilities for current and future funding? Do you have a health care entity to manage the program? You must have formal approval by identifying a school system liaison to facilitate the process. It will be important to have influential community individuals speak publicly on behalf of the SHCs and imperative to establish a written contract. [TOP]

Who should be involved in the planning?
The key supporters of your health center including nurses, principals, well respected individuals in the community, parents, youth, hospital representatives, family resource networks, mental health providers, and other influential leaders in the community who may lend their support. [TOP]

What are facility start-up costs?
Start-up costs are those associated with remodeling (if needed), supplies, and equipment. It is difficult to come up with a cost estimate because it depends upon the services provided and the extent of the remodeling. Some programs receive donations which cover the majority of the start-up costs. Equipment lists are available [TOP]

What services should be offered?
The minimum set of services offered should include primary medical care (diagnosis and treatment); preventive care - i.e. comprehensive well child exams; lab tests, and immunizations. It is strongly recommended to include behavioral health services from the outset. Services should be available to all students, regardless of payer source or lack of insurance. [TOP]

What kind of staff is needed?
Minimum staff should include an administrative coordinator, an office/care coordinator, nurse/medical assistant, a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant, and a physician who may provide direct care or serve in a medical consultant capacity. [TOP]

Where should the SHC be located?
The preferred location for a SHC is in the school, in a visible, high traffic area. Where the SHC will be part of a new school, it is often placed within the guidance counseling suite. When there is not space inside the school, modular units are possible. Please see TYPES OF SCHOOL HEALTH CENTERSS for descriptions of each. [TOP]

What procedures need to be in place to operate an SHC?
If the SHC is operated by a health care entity, they would be familiar with federal and the District's requirements. Sample procedures and policies are available. [TOP]

Can the SHC serve more than one school?
Yes--definitely. This decision should be part of the planning process. Some SHCs start out by serving one school then gradually expand to include other schools for services such as immunization campaigns or well child exams. [TOP]

FAQs for parents, students, concerned citizens

What is a SCHOOL HEALTH CENTERS?
School Health Centers provide prompt, quality, and convenient primary and mental health care services to students. Please see BENEFITS OF SHCs for more information. [TOP]

What is the cost to me?
There is no cost to you for the visit to the SHC. Most SHCs will bill insurance companies. You are not responsible for co-pays, deductibles, or balances of visits; there is no expense to you. If you have no insurance, your child will still receive the best care. [TOP]

What costs am I responsible for?
While services at the SHCs are at no cost to you, there are some costs that you are responsible for should any of these things need to be performed with your permission:

• Prescriptions
• Lab work
• X-rays
• Specialty appointments

How do I sign my child/children up?
All school-aged children are eligible to participate. School Health Centers require a one-time parent or guardian signature in order to see children under 18 for the year. [TOP]

What happens if my child is home sick and school is open?
You may walk in or call to schedule an appointment at the SHC. [TOP]

What happens if my child is sick and school is closed?
The SHC is open when school is open. Some SHCs will have extended hours and continue to stay open after school closes. It differs at each location. Please check the hours listed. [TOP]

How does my child receive services?
Call and schedule an appointment or send a note requesting an appointment with a number where you can be reached. If your child becomes sick or injured at school, they can go to the nurses office, the nurse can evaluate the sickness or injury. If she suggests further attention, you will be notified and an appointment scheduled. [TOP]

What if my child already has a doctor?
If your child already has a Primary Care Provider (PCP), then the SHC staff will supplement the care that he or she provides.  If necessary, the SHC staff will communicate with your child’s PCP to make sure that your child receives the best care possible both in and out of school. [TOP]