In cooperation with the Department of Education, the School Health Services Program provides the services mandated in Florida statute sections 381.0056, 381.0057, and 402.3026. School health services are intended to minimize health barriers to learning for public school students in pre-kindergarten through 12^th grade.

To help ensure the provision of safe and appropriate county level school health services, the Department of Health school health program office provides funding, technical assistance, and oversight of health services provided in Florida's public schools.

State funding for the school health services program is supplemented by funding from local school districts and community partners and consists of three components: Basic School Health Services, Comprehensive School Health Services, and Full Service Schools. 

Basic School Health Services

All 67 counties provide Basic school health services. The Basic school health services program is the bedrock of school health services in Florida and provides the governing framework under which all other school health service programs operate. Core services of the Basic school health services program are: nursing assessments, health counseling, referrals and follow-up for suspected or confirmed health problems; individualized health care plan development; in-school care management for chronic and acute health conditions; assistance with medication administration and health care procedures; vision, hearing, scoliosis, and growth and development screenings; first aid and emergency health services; communicable disease prevention and intervention; and emergency preparedness.

Comprehensive School Health Services

In addition to provision of all Basic school health services, Comprehensive school health services include increased services per Florida statute, section 381.0057, for student health management, interventions and classes. These services promote student health; reduce high-risk behaviors and their consequences (substance abuse, unintentional/ intentional injuries, and sexually transmitted diseases); provide pregnancy prevention classes and interventions; and provide support services to promote return to school after giving birth.  Comprehensive school health services programs are in locally selected schools with high rates of teen birth, substance abuse and other high-risk behaviors.

Full Service Schools

In addition to provision of all Basic school health services, Full Service Schools provide additional school-based health and social services per Florida statute, section 402.3026, such as: nutritional services, economic and job placement services, parenting classes, counseling for abused children, mental health and substance abuse counseling, and adult education for parents.   Full Service School programs are in schools with high numbers of medically under served, high-risk students.

School  Enrollment

To be eligible for school enrollment in a Florida (Pre-K-12) every child must present the following health documents:  A record of physical examination completed within the past 12 months and an up-to-date immunizations record (680 Form).  Other requirements for school entry can be found through the Florida Department of Education or the local school district.

Immunization Records

Prior to entry, attendance or transfer to preschools, schools (Pre K-12), licensed childcare facilities, and family daycare homes, each child shall have on file a Florida Certification of Immunization, DH 680.  Information on School Entry Immunization requirements is available at the Florida Health School Enrollment Web Page. Note: If you desire to remain on this page right click on the link and select Open in new window.

Physical Examination

Students in grades Pre K-12^th who are making their initial entry into a Florida school must present a record of a physical examination completed within the past 12 months. The exam record should be taken to the child's school upon enrollment.

Although a specific form is not required, it is recommended that Florida's Standardized School Entry Exam Form (DH 3040) be used to document completion of a physical examination.  It must be completed by a health care provider licensed to perform physical examinations.
 
Students transferring from outside the State of Florida must provide proof of physical exam completed by a U.S. doctor not older than 12 month prior school registration.  Additional  Information on School Entry Health Examinations is available at the Florida Health School Enrollment Web Page.  Note:  If you desire to remain of this page right click on the link and select Open in new window.

Immunization Requirements for School Attendance:

• 2019-2020 Immunization Requirements document (PDF 243KB)
• Physical Exam within one year of school entry
• Valid Florida DH 680 Immunizaton Form

Resources:

• Orange County Public Schools
• Free Healthcare for OCPS Students (English Version) (PDF 166KB)
• Providers that have agreed to be listed for parents and caregivers looking for a medical home where children can be seen for all their medical needs including school physicals, sport physicals and immunizations. (PDF 695KB)