School Nursing and Health - School Nurse Basics

School Nurse Licensure

Initial Special Service Provider (SSP) License

New school nurses must apply with the Colorado Department of Education for a SSP License.  Generally, the Initial SSP license is applied for; however registered nurses who do not yet meet the requirements for this license may apply for a Temporary Educator Eligibility License (TEE).

Why do I need a Special Service Provider License from CDE if I already hold a Registered Nurse License through DORA?

School nurse services are services provided by a qualified school nurse. Per the Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA) Rules March 2016, 1 CCR 301-8, 2.37(3)(m), all related services personnel providing services to children with disabilities shall hold Colorado special services licenses or certificates with appropriate endorsements.

How do I apply for a Special Service Provider License?

• Requirements for Special Service Provider Endorsement as a School Nurse
• Application Process for Special Service Provider License
• CDE Licensing Office home page
• Email CDELicensing@cde.state.co.us for questions about licensure requirements

Advancing from Initial SSP license to Professional SSP license

The Initial SSP license expires in 3 years; prior to expiration, the school nurse will need to apply for a Professional SSP license.  To advance from an Initial SSP license to a Professional SSP license, you will need a certificate verifying completion of an induction program specific to the license you wish to advance (ie, Special Service Provider with School Nurse endorsement).  Induction programs are provided by your school (public, private or charter), Charter School Institute, or BOCES.  The induction program requirements include two semesters of mentoring.

How do I find a school nurse mentor?

• Public School Districts: School nurses should work with their supervisor or district “Induction Coordinator” to locate a school nurse mentor.
• Charter Schools Under the Authority of a Public School District: Charter schools under the authority of a school district should work with their supervisor or district “Induction Coordinator” to locate a school nurse mentor.
• Charter Schools under the Authority of Charter School Institute (CSI): Charter schools under the authority of CSI should contact CSI to locate a school nurse mentor.
• Private Schools: Private schools that offer a CDE approved induction program can also provide a school nurse mentor. 
• The Colorado Department of Education (CDE) School Nurse Mentoring Program: School nurses who are enrolled in a CDE approved induction program through their school, CSI, or BOCES, but don’t have access to an experienced mentor, may be eligible for the CDE School Nurse Mentoring Program. If you are interested in exploring this option, please complete this MENTOR PROGRAM REQUEST FORM.

CDE Mentor Program Sample Documents - these forms are provided as samples and are not required