Chronic/Acute Health Conditions

The entry of a child with a chronic/acute health condition or a child assisted by medical technology into the school setting presents a challenge to the family, student and school staff.  A medically safe and educationally sound program, accomplished by a collaborative effort, should create an environment that fosters academic success and social competence.

For a smooth transition into the education setting, an organized planning process must be followed.  This section outlines steps and roles that help facilitate this process.

Early Notification
It is essential that the educational setting be notified about a prospective student with special health care needs at least two to three months before school entrance whenever possible.  While notification usually comes from the parent, in the case of the child assisted by medical technology, the child's health care provider should also notify the education system.

Different personnel may receive the notification, including the district superintendent, the principal, the school nurse, and the special education coordinator, among others.  School health professionals must be notified as their input is essential in planning for health/safety of student.

The Role of the Parent or Guardian
Due to the parent/guardians' unique understanding of their child's needs and abilities, they will have an integral role in the planning process.  They are the ultimate source of information and resources. 

Their role will include:
Advocacy on behalf of the child.
Providing access to health care providers (names and phone numbers of emergency contacts).
Participation in planning and training meetings.
Approval of any Education and Health Care Plan and Emergency Plan.
Notifying the school health coordinator of changes in the student's condition or health care requirements.(written physician orders may be necessary)
Serving as a source of child-specific information and, when appropriate, training

Medical Documentation
Parent/guardian must provide written documentation from their child's health care provider which includes the following information:Any special instructions/medical techniques to be performed (with details)Whether the child is capable of self administration (i.e.; it may be acceptable for a responsible child with diabetes to self administer insulin injections, and perform blood glucose readings) or procedures must be performed by a care-giver.Any medication orders-see medication policy section Please request that your health care provider be as specific and concise when providing instructions for the school to follow.

Administrative Responsibility
The education coordinator (e.g., special education director or principal) oversees the admission process to ensure that the needs of the child in the school setting are provided for.  It is also the responsibility of the education coordinator to provide adequate staffing to meet the student's education, transportation and health care needs.  Once a parent has provided the necessary information, the appropriate staff should attend the planning and training meetings necessary.

Planning Meeting
It is ideal to hold a meeting including the parents and student (if appropriate), school health coordinator, education and administrative staff to review and discuss safe and appropriate classroom placement, and necessary services and personnel for the child to attend school in the least restrictive environment. 

Training
Training of staff and care-givers is key to assuring the ability of the education setting to accommodate the student as safely as possible.  Training includes several different levels from general information for school staff to child-specific techniques for direct care-givers. Based on the child's medical and care needs, the care-givers may require more formalized medical training. (Preparing a school well in advance before entering the school setting gives the staff appropriate training time.

Home Health
Occasionally it may not be in the student's best interest to be in a group setting such as school.  While this is rare, some children assisted by medical technology or special health concern may have a serious or unstable medical condition.  In such a case, decisions regarding school attendance should be made by a team consisting of the child's parents/ guardians, primary care physician, pertinent medical specialists, the school health coordinator and the educational coordinator.  Contact the district health coordinator, your school principal, or school nurse for information regarding home health procedures.

If it is recommended that the child not attend school, every effort should be made to continue the child's educational services in an alternate setting (home or hospital) at the level the child can tolerate.  Contact with other children should be encouraged through visitation, telephone calls, etc.