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School Services
At Children's Medical Center
Tips for Starting School
The start of a new school year can be anxiety-provoking for both parents and children. While children are in wonderment about what a new school year will bring- things such as friends, teachers, the work load and what clothing to wear. Parents are dreading issues such as long lines to fulfill the school supply list, arranging transportation if necessary and making preparations for after-school activities. This list can grow even longer for parents who have children that are returning back to school with an illness. So, to help families better prepare, we have compiled a list of helpful tips that may be useful as their children embark on a new school year.
Getting ready for your child to start back to school:
- Make sure you get your child back on a routine at least two weeks before the start of school.
- Discuss any concerns your child may have about returning to school. This is especially important if your child was unable to attend the latter part of the previous school year. If there are issues you feel you may not be able to handle be sure and consult your primary care physician so he can get you the appropriate help.
- Address any issues or concerns you may have as it relates to sending your child back to school with the appropriate medical staff.
Medications
- Make sure all prescription drugs are in the original container with the correct identifying information and dosage visibly displayed.
- Be sure to sign a release for the school nurse to give your child medication. Some schools may require a note from your child's physician granting permission to dispense your child's medication.
- Should your child's medication dosage change, please notify the school nurse immediately. Be prepared should your child's school require updated prescription information and/or a signed notice from your child's physician.
- Make sure all medical forms are updated with the school nurse.
- Make sure you take your child's medication to school and be available to answer any questions the school nurse or teacher may have about the affects of medication.
Attendance
By law a child must attend 90 percent of the school days in order to be promoted. However, there are exceptions. If your child is ill and unable to attend school for any period of time, please make sure you follow the below steps:
- Provide the school with a written excuse from a doctor or medical personnel if your child is going to be absent for five or more days.
- Be sure to keep the school informed when your child is absent. A written note is required on all absences within three days of the absence.
- Make sure you document all absences and keep a log of school personnel you communicate with in regards to your child's absences and illness.
- Make a copy of all notes acquired from your child's physician's office and/or personally written excuses.
What if my child becomes hospitalized during the school year?
- Notify your child's school of the hospitalization; if at all possible put the notification in writing.
- Choose someone to help you get information to and from your child's school.
- Whenever possible, encourage your child to work on schoolwork.
- Allow your child to communicate with peers when feeling well via e-mail, in writing or through small phone conversations, this will help them to feel connected socially and make re-entry back to school easier.
Final Thoughts
- Remember to keep the school informed of your child's progress.
- If at all possible make yourself or someone you feel comfortable with available for the school to ask questions.
- Start a three-ring binder for your child to keep all important information in the same place. Put everything in writing.
- If questions arise about school at anytime during your child's treatment, please feel free to contact the School Services Department at 214-456-7733.