School Health Services
How to Apply
There is no need to apply for School Health Services. These services are available to all children enrolled in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), with services provided in health rooms at all schools.
Documents To Bring
None
Eligibility Requirements
- Children enrolled in Montgomery County Public Schools
- Pre-school through 12th grade – generally ages 3 through 18, and special education students to age 21
Fees and Payments
None
FAQ's
1. What medical forms do I need to enroll my child in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS)?
Maryland law requires all students to present a Maryland Immunization Certificate #896 and a Health Inventory Form (proof of physical exam). Students entering Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K), Head Start, Kindergarten, or 1 st Grade must also present a Maryland Department of Health Lead Certificate.
2. What immunizations does my child need to enroll in school in Montgomery County?
School Health and MCPS follow State of Maryland vaccine requirements for children enrolled in preschool programs and in schools. The vaccines and the number of required doses of each of the vaccines vary, based on the child’s age. A chart showing the vaccine requirements for children can be found at Required Immunizations
3. What if my child needs to get medication during the school day?
To request that prescriptions or over-the-counter medication be given to a child during the school day, parents/guardians must complete MCPS Form 525-13 which includes a signed order from a health care provider. If students require an Epinephrine auto-Injector in school, parents/guardians must complete MCPS Form 525-14 , which includes a signed order from a health care provider. These forms are available online on the MCPS web site, or from the health room at the school. All medications must be properly labeled and brought to the school health room by an adult. No medication will be administered in school without the parent/guardian’s written authorization and an authorized healthcare provider’s written order. This includes both prescribed and over-the-counter medications. An authorized healthcare provider’s order and parental permission are necessary for self-carry/self-administered emergency medications such as asthma inhalers and Epinephrine auto-injectors.
4. What services does School Health Services provide?
The Department of Health and Human Services, School Health Services (SHS), in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), provides services to assure the health, safety and well-being of all students enrolled in MCPS schools, currently more than 156,000 students. Additional information regarding specific services can be found here.
5. What do you do if your child has a special or chronic health condition ?
Please consult with the school nurse at your child’s school.
6. When should I keep my child home from school?
Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on when to keep your child home can be found here . It is important to keep your child home when they are sick, and away from other children, to help prevent the spread of contagious diseases.
Additional Information
For more information on Head Start Health Services, click here.
For more information on School Based Health and Wellness Centers, click here.
For more information on Teen Pregnancy Prevention and Parenting Program, click here.
School Health Services Immunization Center
The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, School Health Services, partners with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to support families through the school enrollment process, ensuring that all students receive the required immunizations needed to attend school. The School Health Services Immunization Center is co-located with the MCPS School Counseling, Residency, and International Admissions (SCRIA) office.
Hours of operation, contact and location information can be found here.
The State of Maryland vaccine requirements for children states that children enrolled in school must provide evidence of having received mandated immunizations. The only exceptions are medical contraindications, religious exemptions or if a verifiable appointment is scheduled to receive required immunization(s) within 20 calendar days of enrollment.
The School Health Services Immunization Center collects information from parents/guardians to determine the immunization needs for their children. Students who are Vaccine For Children (VFC) eligible may obtain immunizations at the School Health Services Immunization Center. Vaccines are free of charge, although an administration fee may be charged. Eligible students will receive the required vaccinations to enter school regardless of their ability to pay. The School Health Services Immunization Center may refer families with additional health care needs to the Office of Eligibility and Support Services (OESS).