Managing a child’s chronic condition can be stressful. When the school year resumes, that uneasiness may increase. Planning ahead and open communication can make the transition run more smoothly.
“There are so many things you need to know as a parent if your child has a chronic condition,” says Lindsey Mickelson, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with ThedaCare Physicians Pediatrics-Appleton. “Sending your child to school can cause worry since you want to do everything possible to keep them well. The good news is that schools are prepared to help make sure your child’s needs are taken care of.”
How to Begin
Depending on your child’s condition, you’ll want to coordinate with their primary care provider or specialist. If your child has diabetes or epilepsy, for example, that may be a conversation to have with their specialist. Primary care providers may guide the conversation for other conditions such as asthma or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Your child’s care team may have printed information to provide to school officials to help them better understand your child’s condition.
Next, it’s time to talk with the school about your child’s medical condition and create a disease management plan. The plan should include information about your child’s health along with parent or guardian contact information, a treatment plan for the everyday management of your child’s disease and a plan for emergency situations.
The school also may ask you to sign a release of information form that allows staff to contact the child’s doctor in an emergency if they cannot reach a parent or guardian. Signing the form allows everyone on your child’s care team to work together as needed.
Planning Ahead
“Don’t wait until school starts to discuss your child’s needs,” Mickelson says. “Plan to reach out about two weeks ahead of time to 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 you schedule any needed routine or follow-up appointments with your child’s primary care provider or specialist well in advance of the school year starting. If your child requires medication that must 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.
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The school also will require you to fill out a form and have the doctor sign it. Before your child returns to class, reach out to their school to determine what forms you may need to submit regarding your child’s medication.
When talking with your child’s school about medication, ensure you provide clear instructions about how and when it should be used. Gather any other medical supplies the child may need while at school, and discuss where they will be kept and who will have access to them.
Talking with Teachers
After talking with the school office, talk to your child’s teacher about their diagnosis and what signs they should look for in case the child isn’t feeling well. 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 you might want to reach out to schedule a separate time.
You’ll also want to discuss with your child what they should expect at school regarding their condition. Keep conversations tailored to the child’s age and maturity. Make sure they 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 says. “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.”
Keeping Up to Date
If something changes with your child’s health, such as a new medication or dosage, inform the school as soon as possible. Keeping everyone up to date on how your child is doing will allow school staff to do their best to provide the necessary care.
“We know how overwhelming it can be to manage your child’s chronic condition, especially when they’re away from you,” Mickelson says. “Our care teams are here to support you and your child. The goal is to create a plan helps you both feel confident and prepared as they transition back to school.”
