My question involves education law in the State of: Pennsylvania
My daughter is not able to handle being in heat for longer than a few hours. This has been a problem that we have encountered since birth. This is her first year in Kindergarten and her school is not air conditioned. Last week, 20 minutes before school was over, we received a call from the school nurse that stated she was vomiting and needed to be picked up. I found this odd since she was showing no signs of being sick in the morning. My husband picked her up and brought her home. She vomited twice more before she fell asleep and slept for several hours. (FYI: all times that she vomited is was clear)
When she woke up, I asked what happened. She stated her "forehead hurt". This makes sense because when she is in an 'extreme heat setting' she does get migraines. The next morning I contacted her teacher to inquire more about what had happened. She said she started crying and screaming hysterically and vomited several times at school. She also spoke with the school nurse that morning and the school nurse thought she was having a stroke. I immediately asked about the requirements for requesting an air conditioner be installed in her classroom and was told that I needed a note from her Doctor.
This is not an unusual request because several rooms have window air conditioners placed in them due to a note from one of the students Doctors; unfortunately, my daughters room is not one of them. I immediately contacted the Doctor and received a note stating that once is needed.
Of course, I got attitude when I presented it to the Principal and nurse; however, I also explained that she does have a medical condition and we are going back to see the neurology department at the local children's hospital. The nurse also stated to me that she thought she was having a heat stroke. I asked her that the next time this happens, that she should contact 911. Since this happened, everyday I have been monitoring her core body temperature (via ear) and it has been on average of 3 degrees higher than her normal temperature.
My question is, what is a reasonable amount of time for a Doctors accommodation request before I ask why it hasn't been done yet? I looked at the Department of Education web site to see if there is some sort of requirement for a Doctor's note, but I am unable to find any information. I also scanned Chapter 15 of the State Law to see if I can find any information there. I am unable to locate any reference towards a Doctors note.
Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks


