 Chronic
Illness
My
child has a chronic health condition, what do I need to tell the school?
If your child
has special health needs, the school should have a written document outlining
a health care and emergency plan. The following information should be in the
document:
-
A brief
medical history
-
The child's
special needs
-
Medicine
or procedures required during the school day
-
Special
dietary needs
-
Transportation
needs
-
Possible
problems, special precautions
-
Pediatrician's
name
-
Emergency
plans and procedures (including whom to contact)
Once the school is informed
a student has a chronic health condition, a meeting is often scheduled to
discuss what services may be needed. The meeting should include parents, the
student (if old enough), school health staff, the coordinator of special needs
services, student aids, and the child's primary teacher. Health care providers,
such as the child's pediatrician, also should be invited or asked to provide
information in writing.
One goal of this meeting
is to develop a written plan that clearly describes the services the student
needs. Depending on the child's needs, this plan may be described as a 504
Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This legal document outlines
exactly what services the child will receive and sets short- and long-term
goals for the child. The plan should be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues
to meet the child's needs.
Parent responsibilities
The following are ways you
can help your child receive the education and services he or she needs to succeed
in school:
- Talk to the school.
Don't be afraid to tell the school about your child's condition. Some parents
worry about sharing this information, but the more informed teachers and other
school staff are, the better prepared they will be to help your child. If
the school staff don't have all the facts, they may make wrong assumptions
about your child's behavior or performance.
- Make an emergency
plan. Ask your pediatrician to help you write down exactly what the school
should do if your child has certain health needs. School staff should know
how to reach you or your pediatrician in case there is an emergency. Remember
to call the school right away when contact information has changed.
- Make a health plan.
If your child takes medicine at school, ask about the school's policies for
storage and self-usage. Make sure your child is able to take her medicine
in a comfortable place, and that the school is provided with an adequate supply.
Remember to call the school right away if there are any changes in your child's
condition.
- Give your consent.
You will have to sign a release form that gives the school permission to contact
your pediatrician. Also, your pediatrician will need your written permission
to discuss your child's condition with the school. If your child requires
medicine or special procedures, the school must receive written instructions
from your pediatrician.
- Plan ahead. Meet
with your child's teachers regularly to talk about how your child is doing
at school. Ask if your child's health condition is affecting her schoolwork
or behavior. If your child is missing a lot of school due to illness, talk
with her teacher about ways to help her keep up with her work.
Know the law
By law, your child is entitled
to an education that will help her develop to her full potential. Schools may
be required to provide additional services that will assist in both in-school
programs and after-school events. Federal laws such as the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
state that every child should be allowed to attend school in the "least
restrictive" setting possible.
Published online:
10/07
Source: Students With Chronic Health Conditions: Guidance for Families, Schools,
and Students (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics)
Healthcare professionals
may order
this publication in multi-copy packs.
Parents can find more information on this topic in Caring for Your School-Age
Child: Ages 5 to 12. To order a copy of this book visit the AAP
Bookstore.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information contained
in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care
and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your
pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
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