Keep the School Informed
The days and weeks following the initial diagnosis of a child's illness are a difficult time, and forging alliances at school probably aren't first in a parent's mind. It is important to do so, however, in order to lay a strong foundation for the future, as the child will experience periods of active disease and remission.
Initially, the principal should be notified in writing of the child's diagnosis. Next, a person who will act as liaison between the school and the family should be chosen. This could be a hospital social worker, nurse, psychologist, or even the principal. This person will be important in helping your child integrate back into school after diagnosis, and therefore should be someone trustworthy. Parents will need to sign a release form to allow the hospital and the school to communicate about the child's health.
Medication
Often a child with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or other illness will need to take medication while at school. Since the parent can't be there, someone on the school staff must administer it.
First, the school principal and/or the school nurse need to be contacted and made aware of the need for medication. The school should have a policy for medication that is in compliance with the state. Second, it is important to know exactly who will be giving the medication, and what type of medical training they have. Follow-up periodically with the nurse or teacher, and check the medication log the school may keep. Additionally, keep medical forms at the school with the child's current condition and medications up-to-date.
A note from the doctor explaining the drug, dose, time it should be given, potential side effects, and the condition the medication is for should be given to the school. This is true for both over-the-counter and prescription medication. Written permission can also be given for the school nurse to administer over-the-counter medication when necessary, as in the case of a headache.
Classmates and Teachers
It is important for children to stay in touch with classmates while hospitalized or recuperating at home. Parents can check in with the teacher at regular intervals, and deliver notes or other communications to the classroom.
Some tips to keep classmates involved:- Invite a nurse or social worker to speak to the class about their classmate. The child should be involved in what information is discussed, especially when dealing with the sensitive topic of bowel habits.
- Pictures of the child can be sent to the class, and vice versa.
- The class can make get well cards, send notes, or make phone calls to keep in touch.
Schoolwork
Keeping up with schoolwork is important, when the child is physically well enough to do so. Staying in touch with the teacher to be aware the subjects being taught will be helpful for the child and the parents. Assignments can be sent home with a brother or sister, or be picked up from the school. A tutor may be requested through the school
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 deals with discrimination in higher education. Medical information can be requested once a student has been accepted to a school, not on the initial application. Any information given can't be used to keep a student from participating in school activities.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees public education for all children with disabilities. This service is free of charge to parents. This law also ensures that children be allowed access to restrooms.
If a child has been discriminated against because of a medical condition, parents can file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, 20201.
Teasing
We all know the phrase "children can be cruel," so how can a chronically ill child deal with the teasing they will most likely experience? Unfortunately, ignoring it won't always make it stop. Here are a few suggestions to head off teasing at school:
- Role-play at home: Problem-solving skills can be honed with trusted adults and children before heading to school.
- Humor: Humor is a way to disarm the teaser.
- Some kids tease everyone: Some kids pick on everyone, and the teasing shouldn't be taken to heart.
- The teaser has low self-esteem: The child being teased should understand that some kids may tease as a way of covering up insecurities and fears.
- Responding with anger or fear: The child doing the teasing will be encouraged by these reactions, so responding differently is important.
Some instances of teasing, as with chronically ill or disabled children, may require intervention by a parent. In other cases, intervention may backfire on the child, reinforcing a child into becoming a victim. Discussing the teasing situation openly, and helping the child become more assertive is the goal. Body language is important, and can encourage the teaser, so altering the body language from that of embarrassment and fear to confidence is important.
