WHEREAS, Every child must be ready to learn, having their basic needs first met so that they may achieve optimal physical, emotional, social, and educational development and be prepared for full participation in society; and

WHEREAS, Through public schools, communities can work together in unprecedented ways to eliminate barriers to learning and to provide access to health care for children and families; and

WHEREAS, California’s credentialed school nurses are pivotal members of a coordinated school health system, delivering services to children and eliminating health disparities and barriers and supporting academic success for all children; and

WHEREAS, School nurses provide vital links between public and private resources and programs; collaboration between schools and health and human service agencies to bring school and community services to schools; and support efforts to connect families to insurance programs to meet their needs; and

WHEREAS, School nurses create and maintain safe school environments; provide mandatory health education, health screenings, and immunizations; deliver early intervention services; design wellness-driven programs; and assist pupils with chronic and acute illnesses and special needs as they transition from home to school; now, therefore, be it