Peak Performance USA - An Asthma Management Program for Schools

Administrator Peak Performance Actions

Involve staff in the asthma management program and designate one person, preferably the school nurse, to maintain Asthma Action Plans for each student to help the student manage and asthma episode.
The student must have immediate access to the medication he or she needs. 47 states presently have laws that protect a student’s right to carry and self-administer their lifesaving asthma medications as prescribed by their physician. If your school does not have their policy in place, work with the administration, school board, school nurse and local physicians to establish policies that comply with state law. If your state does not have a law or you have any questions, visit http://www.breatherville.org/cityhall/ch_childrights.htm. You may also wish to review Guidelines for the Administration of Medication in Schools by the Committee on School Health of the American Academy of Pediatrics (PEDIATRICS Vol. 112 No. 3 September 2003, pp. 697-699 NOTE: scheduled for update in 2009).
Establish an asthma staff education program consisting of resource files and in-service courses.
Encourage communication between parents and staff.
Establish a system for health alerts to notify students and staff with information to protect students from very hot or cold temperatures, high pollen counts and other allergens, and air pollutants that may affect a child’s asthma.
Ensure that school staff are aware of the school’s responsibilities under State and local legal requirements and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), and, where applicable, Title III of the ADA, which applies to nonreligious private schools.
Establish a school environmental management plan based on EPA IAQ Tools for Schools.
Avoid exposing students to fumes, dust and other irritants by scheduling building repairs, cleaning or painting during vacations or the summer.
Take steps to reduce school bus idling time and air pollution from diesel exhaust, which can post a significant health risk to children with asthma. Recommended actions include establishing idling guidelines, working closely with bus companies and bus drivers to implement the guidelines, and working closely with bus companies to retrofit buses with pollution controls and to purchase the cleanest new buses.