school paying for a nurse-questions

Kate · #1 05-05-2009, 10:24 AM

Right now Mitchell is in a pretty self contained classroom (4 kids) He is there for about 2 hours and the school pays for a nurse to sit in the class with him.

We are talking about next year and what his needs are. He will need to be in a big classroom (or a typical classroom) to get ready for Kindergarten. His teacher is coming out tomorrow to discuss options. I'm guessing 1 option is the school provided preschool-it has typical kids and special needs students. He could also go to a community based program. I'm wondering what the school needs to pay for as far as nursing care? I'm assuming that if he goes to an off-site program then we'd be responsible for paying the nursing care? If he would attend the school based site then the school would be liable? Does that sound right? I'm really just guessing. If his teacher comes out by herself, I would feel comfortable asking-or I'll ask his teacher from last year. But, the health guy might come out w/her, then I don't want to ask in front of him.
Talking to him on the phone he encouraged me to enroll him into the community based program. I am always leery-why? He said that he'd get a better feel of what kindergarten was like-but I can't help but think he was steering me there because then the school wouldn't have to pay?

What is your experience w/this?

lynn · #2 05-05-2009, 12:38 PM

I was just told thru my EI coordinator that if I chose to send Joseph to a "private" school (anywhere other that what is contracted with the state) I will have to provide the nurse thru my insurance.- I pick and approve the nurse I want from whichever agency I choose to use. (I dont have nursing currently)
If I choose a DART(state)preschool- the school district will provide and pay for a nurse- the downside of this, is I get no say in who the nurse is and if I dont like who they pick- I cant get rid of them.. I am still trying to decide- I dont know if we are able to afford to send Joseph to a private preschool, if he goes to the DART program, then the tuition is covered thru EI( I just dont like the nurse situation there)

Kate · #3 05-05-2009, 12:44 PM

Thanks,
That is kind of what I was thinking. I'm talking to someone at the school about it-someone I trust to see what they say.

I can see your point. You know-I'd give it a shot. If nothing else you can always pull him and enroll him in something else. I know that we'll probably do the school program-though I think we have somewhat of a say because they'll contract with the home health agency-but you are right when push comes to shove-we really don't have much of a say. Like I said though-I'd give it a shot and see. I would mention to them though that they are liable for the skills of this nurse and that you want to help train.

WeAdoptKids · #4 05-05-2009, 11:53 PM

Kate,

The entire process is USUALLY IEP driven. If the school puts him in another day program to give him more help, they will pay to have the nurse covered. If you choose to put him in another program outside of school, then it is parent driven and you pay for the nurse.

If your nursing hours cover the time in the outside program, then the insurance will often times cover it.

If you do not have the hours, then again it is up to you to cover the cost.

I know that things are different in all states, this is just the basic idea of how things usually work....or better yet, can work.

Roberta

Nate's Ma · #5 05-06-2009, 07:38 AM

Our school district has covered the nurses, but not without me sending them the ADA guidelines. I was able to meet both of the nurses and the head school nurse interviewed both of them. I love both of them. They both have great experience. Finding a good daytime nurse is usually alot easier than night nurses.

Kate · #6 05-06-2009, 07:44 AM

I talked to Mitchell's teacher from last year-friend to friend not parent to teacher and it sounds like that is the case--if we choose a site in the community and they are not in collaboration w/the school-then we pay and are responsible. If they are in collaboration w/the school, then they will pay.
Good-now we'll see what our options are.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeAdoptKids

Kate,

If your nursing hours cover the time in the outside program, then the insurance will often times cover it.

Roberta

Can you believe that our insurance specifically says it WILL NOT pay for ANY care at school? I suppose they figure the school should. (which they should)
They wouldn't have to know he was at school. And-looks like we may be switching insurance (AGAIN) we'll possibly be going to BCBS-we had to appeal up and down for nursing care when we had them before-should be interesting.