Managing Your Child’s Health in Preparation for the New School Year

We are pleased to introduce two new staff members dedicated to supporting the well-being of our employees. Debra Welch, our new UHC Nurse Advocate, and Amy Dunnegan, our new Child and Family Facilitator, are here to support the well-being of employees and their families. They’ve collaborated on this post to ensure WashU families have the necessary resources and support as we prepare for the back-to-school season.

School Immunizations and Physicals:

Vaccinations and physicals are essential for registering and participating in school. As you prepare for the school year:

• Contact the school nurse if you have questions or concerns.
• Review the school district’s registration information.
• Discuss your child’s health records with their provider.

Medication Administration and Additional Nursing Support in the School:

If your child needs medication administered at school or has a condition requiring extra care, consider reaching out to the school nurse. The school nurse is a valuable resource for your child’s needs and can help create a safe and effective plan for the school year.

Our UHC Nurse Advocates can help you find a primary care provider or specialist for your child(ren).

What Can You Do When Your Child is Sick?

When your child is not feeling well and cannot attend school, WashU has partnered with Bright Horizons to offer backup care for eligible employees. If your child is mildly ill, Bright Horizons can arrange a caregiver in their network for you for the day. Alternatively, you can find your own caregiver and be reimbursed for that care by Bright Horizons. Please see the resource below to learn more about backup care and eligibility.

Additional Helpful Resources:

1.  WUDirect Network: WashU’s network of physicians provides preferred access and lower office visit copays/coinsurance for WashU health care plan participants
2. WUCare: This onsite primary care practice is dedicated to WashU employees and their dependents (age 18+) enrolled in the university-sponsored health plan
3. WashU Pediatrics: Pediatric Primary Care – Washington University Physicians
4. UnitedHealthcare: Utilize the UHC guide on choosing a doctor 
5. American Lung Association: Create an Asthma Action Plan and share this important tool with caregivers of children with asthma, including daycare providers, schools and aftercare programs
6. Centers For Disease Control (CDC): CDC Healthy Schools provides guidance on managing food allergies at school
7. Work-Life and Family Care: Visit the Family Care hub to view resources for child care and older and/or dependent adults.
8. Emergency Back-Up Care with Bright Horizons: WashU partners with Bright Horizons to provide families with emergency/backup family care options.

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Debra Welch, RN, BSN, MEd, UHC Nurse Advocate
It is my pleasure to join Bridgette Simms as another UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Nurse Advocate at WashU. With a background in school health and as a parent, I understand that preparing for the school year can be both exciting and stressful. Depending on your child’s needs, there may be additional health considerations to address as the school year begins.

Amy Dunnegan, Child and Family Care Facilitator
I am here to assist you with care and resources for your family, whether the need is for your children, yourself, or an older adult in your life. My goal is to support you in any way I can.