Communicate openly, effectively and often with your child’s school

Your child’s chronic illness may disrupt school success all the time, or from time to time, depending on your child’s health status. Schools are required by law to provide a fair and appropriate education to all students. Educators want to provide and appropriate education to students with chronic illnesses, but often do not know how to do that.

You are the link between your child and the school, and can provide the information to the educators that will enable them to provide the best possible education services for your child. A conference should be held which includes you, your child’s teacher(s), the school nurse, counselor, school psychologist (if your child is experience learning challenges), principal and, if possible, a representative from your child’s health care team.

During this meeting, the goal should be to explain your child’s illness and the potential impact on school (e.g., frequent absences, side effects of medications, special health considerations at school, fatigue, activity restrictions). Participants should also discuss what the other children in the class should be told about their child's illness, dependent upon what you and your child prefer.

A discussion should ensue that determines if your child needs to be considered for placement as a student who is considered “other health impaired” (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), needs a 504 Plan (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973), or would benefit from another plan to ensure continued school success when she cannot attend school regularly.

Parents should also talk about how special services (e.g., specialized instruction, physical therapy, etc.) can be arranged if necessary now or at a later time. This will serve as only the first of many meetings and conversations between you and your child’s school. Communication should occur at least quarterly, and more often if necessary.

While you are at the school, take time to also make contact with the teacher(s) of your other children. They may have difficulty concentrating or staying on task if they are worrying about their sibling’s illness. At the very least, your other children will benefit from having a caring teacher or other school professional keep an eye on them and advocate for them.

Skills List

1. Learn about your child’s illness and treatment
2. Commmunicate openly with your children
3. Help your child learn to cope with life changes
4. Help your other children, spouse and extended family cope
5. Prepare your child for procedures and hospitalization
6. Maintain as much normalcy as possible
7. Set limits, and provide discipline
8. Continue normal expectations for your child
9. Communicate with your child’s school
10. Help your child explain the illness to others
11. Accept help graciously
12. Empower your child
13. Help your child find a buddy with the same illness
14. Handle (unsolicited) advice 
15. Take care of yourself

 

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For more information, please contact:

Kathy Davis, MSEd, PhD
kdavis2@kumc.edu
(913) 588-6305