When children with chronic health issues return to the classroom, keeping them safe often involves planning and open communication with their parents, teachers, administrators and health care providers.
“Sending your child to school can be done relatively worry free,” said Lindsey Mickelson, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with ThedaCare Physicians Pediatrics-Appleton. “Schools are prepared to help make sure your child’s health needs are met.”
Depending on a child’s health condition, it may be advisable to coordinate with their primary care provider or specialist how best to address their health needs, Mickelson said.
“If your child has diabetes or epilepsy, for example, that may be a conversation to have with their specialist,” she said. “Primary care providers may guide the conversation for other conditions such as asthma or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Your child’s care team may have printed information to provide to school officials to help them better understand your child’s condition.”
A discussion with a teacher or school administrator about a child’s medical condition should include a disease management plan, Mickelson said. Such plans include information about the child’s health along with parent or guardian contact information, a treatment plan for the daily management of the child’s disease and a plan for emergency situations.
The school also may ask parents or guardians to sign a release of information form that allows staff to contact a child’s doctor in an emergency if the parents or guardians can’t be reached. Signing the form allows everyone on the child’s care team to work together as needed.
Planning Ahead
“Plan to reach out early to discuss your child’s condition,” Mickelson said. “Make sure there is plenty of time to talk over what’s needed, whether it’s filling out forms or bringing in supplies or medication.”
Ensure any routine or follow-up appointments with a child’s primary care provider or specialist are scheduled early in the school year, Mickelson advised. “If your child requires medication that will be left at school, the provider can give you a prescription for it, along with instructions to share with the school about how and when to administer it.”
The school typically will require parents or guardians to fill out a form and have a child’s health care provider sign it. Before the child returns to class, check with their school to determine what forms are needed regarding the child’s medication.
“When talking with your child’s school about medication, make sure you provide clear instructions about how and when it should be used,” Mickelson said. “Gather any other medical supplies your child may need while at school and discuss where they will be kept and who will have access to them.”
And for those needing specialist care for their children, Connected for Kids is available. A partnership between ThedaCare, Children’s Wisconsin and Emplify Health by Bellin, Connected for Kids brings specialized care close to home for families in northeast and central Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Talking with Teachers
After talking with the school office, parents or guardians are encouraged to talk with their child’s teacher about their diagnosis and what signs they should look for in case the child isn’t feeling well, Mickelson said. For a child with asthma, for example, that may include looking for fast or labored breathing.
When to have that conversation may vary. For example, back-to-school night can be a busy time for teachers, so parents and guardians may opt to schedule a separate time to talk.
It’s also a good idea to discuss with children what they should expect at school regarding their health condition, Michelson said. Conversations should be tailored to the child’s age and maturity, allowing them to have a basic understanding of their diagnosis and what to do if a problem develops.
“Your child may be worried about what will happen to them at school. It’s important to share as much information as you can with them, such as who to talk to if they feel something is wrong,” Mickelson said. “Considering introducing them to the school nurse and office administrative assistant so they’re confident in knowing who to turn to if they have a problem.”
If something changes with a child’s health, such as a new medication or dosage, parents or guardians are encouraged to inform the school as soon as possible, Mickelson said. This will allow school staff to do their best to provide the necessary care provided to the child.
“We understand how overwhelming it can be to manage your child’s chronic condition, especially when they’re away from you,” Mickelson said. “Our care teams are here to support you and your child. The goal is to create a plan that helps you both feel confident and prepared as they transition back to school.”
If you’re a parent or guardian needing routine or sick care for your children, connect with a health care provider.
