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School health services are provided by the Cambridge Public Health Department through an agreement with the Cambridge Public Schools. The School Health Program is dedicated to helping students in grades K–12 stay healthy and in school so they can reach their academic potential.
Program staff include registered nurses, nutritionists, vision and hearing specialists, and health assistants.
School nurses provide first aid, medication administration, health counseling, and health education. They are responsible for planning care for children with chronic illnesses, linking families to primary care providers, advising school staff, and ensuring that all school children are appropriately immunized. The program provides full-time coverage in all public schools.
School nutritionists collaborate with the Food Service Program of the Cambridge Public Schools to increase the number of healthy and appealing food choices available to students. The nutritionists also provide classroom education, organize school-based outreach programs for families, and strive to create a healthy nutritional environment in the schools.
The hearing and vision specialists provide state-mandated screenings to Cambridge public school children. Staff offer families medical referrals and other resources.
The School Health Program also provides health care oversight and clinical guidance to three Cambridge nonpublic schools, as well as city-managed preschools and camps.
Supervision and oversight of the School Health Program are provided by the health department's Senior Director of Public Health Nursing Services, the Clinical Manager of School Health Services, and the Medical Director of School Health.
Last revised on November 9, 2021
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