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Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
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Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

School Care Connect

Support for Kids With Chronic Health Issues During the School Day

At UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, we know the vital role school nurses play in the daily health of students.

Through School Care Connect, we partner with school nurses to ensure the best care for your child.

What Is School Care Connect?

School Care Connect is a program that supports the needs of students with chronic health issues during the school day.

Our goal is to:

  • Increase contact between our health care providers and school nurses.
  • Work with school nurses to carry out your child's custom treatment plan.

View the Clinical Resource Guide for School Nurses (PDF)

Meet Our School Nurse Navigator

Melanie Haynes, DNP, RN, CSNOur school nurse navigator, Melanie Haynes, DNP, RN, CSN, is a bridge between:

  • School nurses.
  • Health care providers.
  • And you and your child.

She served as a school nurse for the past 20 years in public and private school settings.

She's there to help when:

  • A child needs an updated action or treatment plan for a chronic health issue, such as asthma or diabetes.
  • A student's treatment plan or health order during school isn't clear.
  • A student or family could gain from learning more and having further resources to achieve success.
  • A school nurse has questions about best-practice treatment guidance to support their students.

The school nurse navigator can help with your child's health needs at school if they're under the care of:

To facilitate communication between your child’s health care provider and school nurse, you must complete an Authorization for Release of Protected Health Information (PHI).

Pediatric Education Series

The Pediatric Education Series (PES) is facilitated by Children’s Community Health Division and Children’s Professional Development and Education Committee. Monthly webinars by pediatric health specialists provide information and updates on topics that are relevant to professionals working in community, clinical and school settings, and include subjects such as trauma informed care, cardiac anomalies, and more. A hospital-based content expert shares the latest research and practice recommendations via a live webinar platform. Nurses are eligible to earn continuing education credits.

Make a Referral to School Care Connect

School nurses and health care provider may connect with our school nurse navigator, Melanie Haynes, at haynesmm5@upmc.edu or by completing our School Care Connect Referral Form.