Getting a health para in NY or NJ

amother

Mon, Dec 30 2013, 12:36 pm

I am interested in learning more about the process for getting a health para for my daughter. We live in Brooklyn and are in the process of purchasing a home in Passaic (which could take months).

Currently my 2 year old receives physical therapy and my coordinator told me EI does not do health paras. She will age out to services from the school board at 3 and I am not sure when I can begin the process of qualifying, but for physical therapy I was told I'll be sent more information in February and will have to pick a new agency.

I'd appreciate any information anyone can give me in terms of applying for a health para in Brooklyn or Passaic. Thank you.

amother

Mon, Dec 30 2013, 12:47 pm

I had one for my son in preschool. He has severe food allergies and asthma. You need a lot of documentation from doctors proving that there is a really medical need. Ei does not supply health paras, it's only for school age children in NYC. By the time my son reached first grade I felt he was old enough to handle issues on his own. You have to be willing to fight and advocate for your child since it is not a simple process.
Since you didn't write what your child's medical issues are, I can't say how difficult it will be for you. Hatzlacha.

amother

Mon, Dec 30 2013, 1:12 pm

amother wrote:

I figured it might be hard. I don't want to go to into the issue, because it is somewhat rare and would identify me and I am not ready to announce our possible move. However she has had to leave playgroup in an ambulance and although it is not an epipen I do feel she needs someone in the classroom who can administer a shot (and it is a shot that requires mixing two solutions) and NOT wait for a school nurse to come to the classroom). I would have never sent her to school at 2, except that I am blessed enough to have a basement style playgroup that is small with a woman I knew would not hesitate to treat my daughter, as she proved she would. I am certain I can get a note from two specialists and a pediatrician. I know it might still be hard, but I have to try right?

How do I start? Do I just call any agency? The one we are with only does EI. I don't have a school picked out for her for next year because we are probably moving and if we didn't the school I would pick if I had a health para would be one that doesn't have a contract with a particular agency. If I don't get a health para I will have to find either a mommy group where I'll feel comfortable or research options of schools that have nurses, honestly I am not sure what I'll do.

amother

Mon, Dec 30 2013, 2:53 pm

I'm the same amother. I don't think a health para can administer the type of medication you need. You may need a nurse. You can call the NYC office of school nurses and talk to them. You get both directly through the city and then they contact a specific agency that deals with health paras and school nurses. I found my own para and then they had to go down to that agency in Manhattan to have paperwork done.