Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is starting the 2026-27 school year with a school nurse assigned to every school building, maintaining districtwide nursing coverage as it expands access to preventive healthcare and other services for students and families.
JCPS’s push to broaden health services reflect a long-standing priority for JCPS to make healthcare more accessible for the families it serves, many of whom face real obstacles to getting their children basic medical care.
“For children who don't have a primary care provider or can't get access to vaccines, physicals or basic healthcare, we provide those services for our students,” said Iesha Porter, district health manager. “And for families who don't speak English as a first language, we provide translators and other support.”
JCPS school nurses handle far more than the everyday aches, fevers and minor illnesses that arise during the school day. They also help students manage chronic health conditions, respond to emergencies, administer medications and connect students with preventive care, including physicals, vision and dental screenings, and vaccinations.
With a nurse assigned to every JCPS school building, students have access to health support throughout the school day. The district also employs Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who rotate among schools and provide additional clinical services, including physicals, immunizations and treatment for acute illnesses for eligible students.
What families need to have on file
With the new school year underway, JCPS is reminding parents of several requirements:
Immunizations: Every student must have a current immunization certificate on file at their school within two weeks of starting classes. (Vaccine Consents)
Physicals: Students new to Kentucky schools, those starting preschool or kindergarten for the first time, and all students entering sixth grade must complete a physical exam, documented on the Kentucky Preventive Health Care Form.
Vision exams: Children entering a Kentucky school for the first time at ages 3 through 6 need a Kentucky Vision Examination form completed by an eye doctor—an optometrist or ophthalmologist—on file by January 1. Notably, the vision screening included in a standard school physical does not satisfy this requirement.
Dental screenings: 5- and 6-year-olds entering a Kentucky school for the first time must have a Kentucky Dental Screening or Examination form on file by January 1. Families without dental insurance can contact their school nurse to arrange a screening at school.
Families can check their student's immunization status anytime through the Parent Portal.
No-cost care, delivered where students already are
One of the most valuable resources many families don't know about, according to Porter, is that district nurse practitioners can come directly to schools to vaccinate students and perform physicals at no cost to the family.
“We can bring vaccines and physicals directly to the school, so families don't have to figure out transportation to an outside clinic,” Porter said.
The district also operates two health clinics, located at the CB Young Service Center (3001 Crittenden Dr., Louisville, KY 40209) and at South Central Neighborhood Place (4255 Hazelwood Ave., Louisville, KY 40215) that are open Monday through Friday throughout the school year. The clinics primarily handle physicals and immunizations and also serve JCPS employees, Porter said.
Families whose students aren't yet compliant with immunization requirements are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their private healthcare provider or reach out to the JCPS Health and Wellness Office to set up an appointment at one of the two clinics. Depending on need and nursing staff availability, some of these services may also be offered at schools during the school day.
Telehealth expands the reach
JCPS also continues its partnership with Norton Healthcare to offer telehealth visits, available in 40 schools this year. With parental consent, a school nurse facilitates a virtual visit between a student and a Norton provider, who can check vital signs and even prescribe medication remotely.
“It's really exciting to see what the technology allows us to do and how it can bring healthcare directly to students,” Porter said.
Why it matters
Porter said the case for keeping students healthy and keeping healthcare within reach comes down to what it means for kids in the classroom.
“Healthy students have better outcomes at school,” she said. “They're able to come to school, which increases attendance, and when they're feeling good and healthy, they perform better.”
For students who aren't yet up to date on immunizations, Porter said nursing staff work one-on-one with families to build an individualized vaccination plan and connect them with the resources needed to meet immunization requirements.
Looking ahead, JCPS says improving access to vaccinations and preventive care remains a top priority, with plans to keep expanding immunization services and working with community partners to reduce barriers to care for students districtwide.
Families with questions about immunization compliance, physicals, or scheduling an appointment at a JCPS health clinic can contact the JCPS Health and Wellness Office at (502) 485-3387.