Special Education Services: A Manual of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines

Through the Ministry of Children and Family Development, the Nursing Support Services (NSS) program assists parents and caregivers of children with special health care needs (birth up to age 19) to have active, healthy lives in their communities, while facilitating safe, consistent care and appropriate health supports.

The program is delivered across the province in homes, schools or child care settings and provides:

• Information and consultation on health care issues.
• Assessment, planning and evaluation of community care
• Eligibility assessment for the At Home Program that provides medical and respite benefits.
• Training and ongoing monitoring of non-nurse caregivers to provide special aspects of the child/youth’s care, such as gastrostomy tube meals, blood glucose monitoring, clean intermittent catherization and oral suctioning.
• Co-ordination of direct nursing care by a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse, when the skill and judgement of a nurse is required to offer complex supports such as tracheostomy, ventilator and end of life care
• Collaboration with families and other community resources, such as social workers, physiotherapists and teachers, to promote provision of appropriate services and supports.

More information is available online at Nursing Support Services.

H.8.1 Inter-Ministerial Protocols - Provision of Support Services

In October 1989, participating ministries reached agreement on key principles to guide the development and support the implementation of protocols agreements. The first of these principles is the provision of student support services in ways that support and facilitate the primary task of schools: enhancing student learning.

Fourteen of the protocols focus on a particular school or student support service:

• Audiological services.
• Generalized school health services.
• School environment and health inspection of schools.
• Educational programs in containment/attendance centres.
• Educational programs for treatment centres and hospitals.
• Preschool programs for children with special needs.
• In-school support for special needs children.
• Services to children and young people of school age with severe mental, behavioural, and emotional disorders.
• Psychological services.
• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
• Speech and language therapy.
• Family and child services to support children in schools.
• Provision of specialized equipment.
• Policing in school and on school property.

The following are some key elements of the agreements that can provide direct benefits to students:

• Sharing information (within provisions of freedom of information legislation).
• Co-ordinating service responses such as interventions in cases of abuse and neglect.
• Providing specialized services.
• Avoiding duplication of services.
• Shortening response time.

It is intended that the agreements form the framework for ongoing discussion and service development at the local level.

References
Ministerial Order 149/89, the Support Services for Schools Order
Family and Child Services Act
Inter-Ministerial Protocols for the Provision of Support services to Schools (1989)
Rehabilitation Resources Programs: Program Management Protocol (March, 1989)
In-School Support for Students with Special Needs: Care Coordinator Resource Guide, Second Edition, September 1991, (Ministry of Health, Continuing Care Division, Victoria, B.C.)

British Columbia's School Act makes the following provision for the removal of a student from school: 91 (4) If a teacher, principal, vice-principal or director of instruction suspects a student is suffering from a communicable disease or other physical, mental or emotional condition that would endanger the health or welfare of the other students, the teacher, principal, vice-principal or director of instruction, must report the matter to the school medical officer, to the school principal and to the superintendent of schools for the district and may exclude the student from school until a certificate is obtained for the student from the school medical officer or a private medical practitioner permitting the student to return to school.

Local policies and procedures should focus on proactive preventative measures rather than giving sole attention to reactive processes.

Local agreements with employee groups may determine or influence the procedures adopted.

The board must continue to make available an educational program for any student removed or excluded from school for health or safety reasons. It is therefore recommended that boards establish policies and procedures related to the provision of educational programs to excluded students.

References
School Act, sections 85, 89 - 91

(Ministry of Health: Health File #29, October 2003)

Blood and Body Fluids - If you come into contact with blood and body fluids, always treat them as potentially infectious. Clean up spills promptly using absorbent material first, and then clean more thoroughly with a disinfectant like household bleach.

Gloves - Use clean, disposable gloves when handling any body fluids, or when cleaning cuts, scrapes or wounds. Wash hands after removing gloves, and dispose of the gloves in a plastic bag. Add gloves to your first aid kit so they are always ready.

Needlestick Injuries - Wash the area with warm soapy water. Do not squeeze the wound or soak it in bleach. Go to the nearest health unit or hospital emergency department immediately for care.

Sharp Objects - Place needles and syringes in a safe container. Never re-cap, bend or break off used needles! Place them in a sealed puncture-proof metal or plastic container with a lid, such as an empty coffee tin and then place in the garbage.

Personal Articles - Never share toothbrushes or razors. They can transmit small amounts of blood from one user to the next. Dispose of razors carefully. Handle bedding or clothing soiled with body fluids cautiously, and wash in hot soapy water. Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of germs from one person to another. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 to 20 seconds. Waterless alcohol-based hand rinses can be used as long as hands aren’t heavily soiled. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and then wash your hands. Don't pass your germs onto others.

How can you keep yourself safe?
The guidelines outlined here are important to follow to keep yourself protected from germs. Blood or body fluids splashed on your skin are very unlikely to cause infection unless you have fresh cuts or raw chapped areas. If you are exposed to blood or other body fluids, protect yourself by wearing disposable gloves. If this is not possible, continue to help the person, and then wash immediately afterwards. Remember, it is important to always wash your hands carefully after touching any body fluids, even if you have worn gloves.

How can you safely clean up spills of blood or other body fluids? Protect yourself by wearing disposable gloves or rubber work gloves. If there is a risk of splashing, use protective eye wear.

1. Use disposable absorbent material, such as paper towels, to remove most of the spill. Place these in a plastic bag and put in the garbage.
2. Wipe contaminated surfaces with a disinfectant solution. Mixing one part household bleach to nine parts of water makes a good solution. This type of bleach solution should be freshly made up before use or it may lose its strength. For carpets or upholstery that may be damaged by bleach, other household germicides or disinfectant agents can be used. Soak mops or cloths used for cleaning in a disinfectant for 20 minutes, or wash in hot water and detergent.
3. When you are finished, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

What should you do if you find a used needle or condom?
A needle that someone else has used may contain a small amount of his or her blood, which could carry HIV, hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus. Used condoms can also contain infectious body fluids. NEVER touch needles, syringes or condoms. If you find a used syringe or condom, especially in a park, school or playground, it is important to dispose of them promptly and carefully.

1. Use a pair of tongs or pliers, or a pair of sturdy gloves, to pick up these items.
2. Discard condoms in a plastic bag.
3. Discard syringes or needles in a puncture-proof container, preferably one intended for such purposes. Any plastic or metal container with a lid, such as a coffee can, will also do. Do not place these containers in your recycling bin.
4. When you have finished, wash your hands carefully with soap and warm water.

While the risk of infection from used condoms and syringes is very low, it is best to limit this risk as much as possible.

What should you do if you accidentally prick yourself with a dirty needle?
If possible, put the pricked area low to the ground to promote bleeding. Do not squeeze. Wash the area well with soap and water. Do not soak the wound in bleach. Go to the nearest local health unit or hospital emergency department immediately for care.

Remember - all blood and body fluids from any person are potentially infectious.

Previous Page ~ Next Page

Table of Contents