Specialized Services

Prescription Medication

If your child has a medical condition, please notify your school when enrolling or as soon as the condition is diagnosed by a healthcare provider.

Students who need prescription medication during the school day must provide:

• Medication in its original pharmacy-labeled container
• Written authorization signed by both the parent/guardian and healthcare provider
• Instructions that match the pharmacy label, including dosage and administration times

Medication authorization forms must be completed each school year and whenever there is a change to the medication or dosage.

Over-the-Counter Medication

Over-the-counter medications may be administered at school when:

• The medication is in its original, sealed container
• A healthcare provider provides written instructions, including the student's name, medication name, dosage, and frequency
• Both the parent/guardian and healthcare provider sign the authorization form

Self-Carry and Self-Administration

With written parent permission and healthcare provider approval, some students may be allowed to carry and self-administer medication needed to manage an ongoing medical condition.

Students may never share medication with others, including cough drops, aspirin, or other over-the-counter products.

End-of-Year Medication Pickup

Parents/guardians are responsible for picking up all medications at the end of the school year. Any medications not picked up will be transferred to the Kings Canyon Unified Student Services Office.

Expired medications will be safely disposed of according to federal guidelines.

Emergency Medication

California law requires school districts to maintain emergency epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) at school sites. Trained school nurses and designated staff members may administer emergency medication to individuals experiencing, or believed to be experiencing, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Medication at School Form  - English
Medication at School Form - Spanish

Kings Canyon Unified in cooperation with the California Medicaid Program, is involved in a program that allows the District to be reimbursed with federal Medi-Cal dollars for select services provided to students. These services are being provided to students whether or not the parent/guardian agrees to allow the District to seek reimbursement. Your child’s current Medi-Cal or insurance coverage, if applicable, will not be affected by this program, nor the services your child receives at school.  

The District is required to provide you with your rights and protections when a public agency seeks to access your child’s public benefits or insurance.  

This is a brief description of your rights and protections:

34 CFR 300.154(d) (1)

• District may use reimbursement funds to pay for required services as permitted.

34 CFR 300.154(d) (2) (i-iii)

• The District may not require children/families to sign up for Medi-Cal or insurance programs.
• The District may not require parents to incur any out-of-pocket expense.
• The District may not use a child’s benefits if it will alter or affect the child’s benefits
• 34 CFR 300.154(d) (2) (v)
•  The public agency will notify parents in writing, annually, and will obtain one-time written consent before accessing the child’s or parent’s public benefits or insurance to pay for services under the Individual Disability Education Act.

34 CFR 300.154(e) (ii)

• Parents have the right to refuse to allow the District to seek reimbursement. The District must still provide the required services at no cost to the parent.
• Parents/Guardians have the right to withdraw consent for the District to disclose their child’s personal identifiable information for Medi-Cal purposes at any time. 

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone needed to move sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream into the body's cells for energy. Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age but is most often diagnosed in children and young adults. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, it is not caused by diet or lifestyle choices.

Risk Factors and Warning Signs

Children with a family history of Type 1 diabetes may have an increased risk of developing the disease. Warning signs may include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Increased hunger
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Irritability or mood changes

Parents of students displaying these warning signs should consult their child's healthcare provider immediately to determine whether screening for Type 1 diabetes is appropriate.

Screening and Treatment

Healthcare providers may use blood tests to measure blood glucose levels and determine whether Type 1 diabetes is present. Early diagnosis is important because untreated Type 1 diabetes can lead to serious health complications.

If a student is diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, parents should work with their healthcare provider to develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include insulin therapy, blood glucose monitoring, healthy nutrition, and consultation with a diabetes specialist or endocrinologist.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way the body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. Children and adolescents can develop Type 2 diabetes, especially if they have risk factors such as being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, or being physically inactive.

Warning signs may include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, or slow-healing sores. Because symptoms may develop gradually, some children may not show obvious signs.

Parents of students who have risk factors or symptoms of Type 2 diabetes should consult their healthcare provider about screening. Screening may include blood glucose testing or other laboratory tests recommended by a healthcare provider.

Type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed through healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help manage the disease and reduce the risk of long-term health complications.