Purpose ENCSD recognizes the serious nature of concussions and other head injuries and the importance of prompt identification, appropriate response, and safe return-to-learn and return-to-activity practices. The purpose of this policy is to protect the health and safety of students by establishing procedures for the prevention, recognition, management, and follow-up of concussions and head injuries. ENCSD shall take reasonable and appropriate measures to reduce risk of concussions and head injuries and to ensure that any student suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury receives immediate attention, appropriate care, and reasonable academic and activity-related accommodations. All actions taken under this policy shall prioritize student safety and effective communication for Deaf and hard of hearing students and families. I. Scope This policy applies to: • All ENCSD students, including those participating in the Residential Program • All ENCSD-sponsored athletic, physical education, recreational, and extracurricular activities • All employees, including instructional, residential, administrative, and support staff • All ENCSD volunteers involved in student supervision • Activities occurring on or off campus when sponsored or supervised by ENCSD II. Definitions For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply: • Concussion: A type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the brain within the skull and may affect brain function. Loss of consciousness is not required for a concussion to occur. • Head Injury: Any injury to the scalp, skull, or brain, including concussions that may result from impact, fall, or other trauma. • Suspected Concussion: A situation in which a student exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with concussion following a head impact or other traumatic event. • Return-to-learn: A gradual process of resuming academic activities with appropriate accommodations following a concussion or head injury. • Return-to-play: A stepwise process of resuming physical activity or athletics after a concussion or head injury, only after medical clearance. III. Prevention and Training ENCSD shall: • Provide age-appropriate concussion education to students participating in physical activities • Provide training to staff, coaches, and residential personnel on concussion recognition and response • Promote safe practices during physical education, athletics, and recreational activities • Ensure that safety information is communicated in accessible formats • IV. School Safety Planning and Prevention ENCSD shall implement comprehensive school safety measures, including but not limited to: • Development and maintenance of emergency response plans • Use of threat assessment processes to address potential risks • Coordination with law enforcement, emergency management, and public health officials • Appropriate supervision and monitoring of school and residential facilities • Ongoing evaluation of safety practices and procedures V. Identification and Immediate Response Any student who is suspected of sustaining a concussion or head injury shall: • Be removed immediately from physical activity • Receive prompt evaluation by appropriate school personnel • Not return to physical activity on the same day the injury is suspected Parents or guardians shall be notified as soon as practicable using accessible communication methods. VI. Medical Evaluation and Documentation A student with a suspected or diagnosed concussion or head injury shall be evaluated by a licensed health care provider. Written medical clearance shall be required before the student may return to physical activity. ENCSD shall maintain appropriate documentation in accordance with applicable laws and policies. VII. Academic and Residential Accommodations ENCSD shall provide reasonable academic adjustments and supports during recovery, which may include modified workloads, extended time, rest periods, or alternative instructional methods. For students in the Residential Program, ENCSD shall: • Monitor symptoms during non-instructional hours • Adjust residential activities as needed • Ensure residential staff are informed of restrictions and accommodations VIII. Return-to Learn and Return-to-Play A student’s return to academic and physical activities shall follow a gradual, stepwise process consistent with medical guidance. Decisions shall be individualized and based on symptom resolution and medical clearance. IX. Accessibility and Communication All concussion-related education, reporting, and recovery processes shall be accessible in Deaf and hard of hearing students and families. ENCSD shall provide reasonable accommodations, including visual explanations, captioned materials, and ASL interpretation when appropriate, to ensure understanding and compliance. Legal References • G.S. 115C-12(23), Duties of the State Board of Education – Student Health and Safety • G.S. 115C-47, Powers and Duties of Local Boards of Education • G.S. 115C-150.6, Educational Services for Students Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing • G.S. 130A, Public Health • North Carolina State Board of Education Policy HRS-A-004, Student Health Services • North Carolina Department of Public Instruction guidelines on concussion management This policy shall be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure continued compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices for serving deaf and hard of hearing students.