Family Engagement

School health services should engage families of all students so that they are aware of services available at school and how they can benefit their children. In schools where services are minimal or lacking, families can advocate for increased nursing and health services. 

Involving families in school health activities can be an important strategy to support students with chronic health conditions because they can encourage schools to provide a healthy environment and health services. This becomes a critical connection and a way to develop relationships that can promote ongoing communication between the school, the family and health care providers in order to follow the health care plan for that student. 

There are several benefits to family engagement in school health services and some of them are:

• Health status updates
• Timely distribution of medication
• Testing during the school day as needed (e.g. blood sugar levels for diabetic students)
• Dietary and physical considerations

• CDC Podcast on School Health Services
• CDC Parents for Healthy Schools