School Support During Chronic Illness

Keeping up with school can be challenging, but there are strategies to help your child stay engaged in school while managing their illness. Keys to success include:

• Ask questions and find resources.
• Make a plan.
• Keep open communication.
• Be your child’s advocate.
• Stay positive.

Ask questions and find resources

Developing a school plan starts by asking the right questions. Talk to your care team and school to learn more about your child’s needs and what resources are available.

Questions to ask your care team:

• Can my child attend school during treatment?
• What school services does the hospital provide?
• Is there someone who can help with plans and communication?
• Who will be the contact person on the healthcare team?
• What documents should I get from the healthcare team?
• Does my child’s health care provider need to sign any forms?
• How could my child’s illness or treatment affect:
  • Ability to think, learn, or pay attention
  • Emotional or social health
  • Vision, hearing, or speech
  • Physical abilities, such as the ability to write or walk

Questions to ask your child’s school:

• Who is our primary contact person at the school?
• What school services are available?
• Who can help me set up school services or classroom accommodations?
• How can my child keep up with assignments?
• How can my child connect and collaborate with classmates?
• What remote learning options are available?
• What medical support is available at the school?
• What is the preferred method of communication with school staff and teachers?

Make a plan for school support

Make a plan to help your child keep up with school as early in the treatment process as possible.

A large children’s hospital will often have school services to support patients. The format will depend on the hospital but may include:

• A school program operated within the hospital
• Homebound school services or resources provided by the local school system
• A liaison who can help coordinate services. Sometimes that person may be a social worker or nurse.

Get support from your child’s care team and members from your child’s school. When planning school support, you may want to involve different people who can help:

• Care team members
• A school administrator or counselor
• A hospital school program representative
• Your child’s teachers
• Your child
• Other parents who have been through a similar experience

Your child’s school support plan may include:

• Classroom accommodations, such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan
• Homebound school services if your child cannot attend school in person
• Planning to help your child stay connected to classmates
• Identifying ways to help your child do school tasks more easily

Keep open communication

Communicate with your child’s school regularly to help the process go smoothly. Keep them informed about your child's health status, treatment schedule, and any changes in their condition that may affect their ability to attend school or complete assignments.

You may want to choose 2 people to stay in contact with, such as a school representative and someone from the hospital’s school program. In elementary schools, your child’s teacher or principal will often be the representative. In middle school and high school, your child’s guidance counselor will be the representative.

It is helpful to have an introductory meeting that includes parents, teachers from your child’s school, a hospital school program representative, and the child (if able to understand). If your family is far away, you may have a conference call or an online meeting.

Topics to discuss include:

• How often your child or teen could miss school
• How illness or treatments may affect school performance, thinking skills, ability to pay attention, and emotional well-being
• Regular check-in meetings between the family, school, and hospital representatives
• The right workload for your child so they can move to the next grade
• How your child will handle assignments if they cannot complete them due to illness
• Homebound school services if your child cannot attend school in person
• Classroom accommodations included as part of an IEP or 504 Plan

Over time, your child’s needs may change. Revisit the plan often to monitor progress, set goals, and adjust the plan if needed.

Be your child’s advocate

Advocate for your child's needs within the school system to make sure that they get the support they need. Explore available school services, accommodations, and resources by talking with your care team and your child’s school.

Ask questions and stay informed. Work with school staff and teachers to address any concerns or challenges.

Do not be afraid to ask for help. You may want a trusted family member or friend to help you. Other parents who have been through a similar situation may be able to offer support. A hospital school program representative or social worker can help you identify needs and plan as well.

Encourage a positive learning environment

Create a supportive and nurturing learning environment. Ways to support your child include:

• Establish a consistent school routine, whether they attend school in person or learn at home.
• Set up a quiet, organized, and comfortable study space.
• Help with homework or assignments when needed.
• Be flexible. Your child’s needs may change over time.

School can be a challenge even when your child is healthy. Encourage your child to set realistic goals and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.

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