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School Support for Children with Serious Illness or Medical Conditions

School is an important part of your child's physical, social, emotional, and mental development. If your child has a serious illness or other health condition, going to school and taking part in activities may be more challenging. But with planning and support, your child can continue to learn and stay connected with classmates. 

To help your child succeed: 

  • Ask questions and find resources. 
  • Make a school support plan. 
  • Share updates with your child's school and care team as your child's needs change. 
  • Create a positive learning environment. 
A young cancer patient sits at a table working through school assignments.

Making a plan for school support can help your child learn, build confidence, and stay connected.

Ask questions and find resources

Talk with your care team and your child’s school about what help is available. Depending on your child’s needs, you may want to speak with: 

  • Care team members 
  • Someone from the hospital school program 
  • A school administrator, principal, or counselor 
  • Your child’s teachers 
  • Your child 
  • Other parents with similar experiences 

Use these questions to start conversations and make sure your child gets the support they need.

  1. Questions for your care team

    Your child's care team can help you plan for school. They can answer questions about your child's health and learning needs.  

    Medical needs 

    • Can my child attend school in person? 
    • What symptoms or side effects could affect my child during the school day? 
    • Are there any activities my child should avoid? 
    • Does my child need a plan for taking medicines or other medical care at school? 
    • Will my child need nursing care at school?  
    • When should the school contact me or seek medical help? 
    • What criteria should the school use to know whether to call me or 911?  
    • What steps should the school take in a medical emergency? 
    • Does my child need to wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a medical ID? If so, what should it say? 

    Learning 

    How could my child’s health condition affect their: 

    • School attendance and participation 
    • Ability to think, learn, or pay attention (cognitive effects) 
    • Development 
    • Emotional well-being or friendships 
    • Vision, hearing, or speech 
    • Physical abilities, such as the ability to write, move, and walk  

    Support 

    • What school or educational support services does the hospital offer? 
    • Who can help us make a school plan and share information with the school? 
    • What documents should I get from the care team? 
    • Who should I contact if I have questions or if the school needs additional information? 

  2. Questions for your child's school

    Your child's school can work with you to support their learning, health, and well-being. 

    School communication

    • What medical forms are needed from my child’s doctor? 
    • Who should I contact at the school? 
    • What is the best way to communicate with school staff and teachers? 
    • How is my child’s health information protected? 

    Academic support at school 

    • Who can help set up academic services or classroom accommodations? 
    • What academic and support services are available? 
    • What can we do if my child has trouble learning or keeping up in school? 
    • What options are available if my child cannot attend school in person? 
    • How will my child get assignments? 

    Medical support at school 

    • What medical support is available at the school? 
    • What if my child needs medicines or other medical care at school? 
    • How are medical emergencies managed? Does my child need an emergency action plan? 
    • What signs should I watch for that my child may be having problems with classmates or fitting in? 

    Social and emotional support at school 

    • How can the school help my child stay connected with classmates? 
    • What signs should I watch for that my child may be having trouble fitting in or experiencing bullying? 
    • Who can help if my child is struggling socially or emotionally? 
    • Who can my child go to if they have a problem, feel sick, or need help during the school day? 

Make a school support plan 

Make a plan to help your child keep up with school. This may include:

  • Classroom accommodations, such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan, if your child qualifies
  • Changes to assignments, workload, or testing
  • Instructions for giving medicines or getting medical care at school
  • Homebound school services if your child cannot attend school in person
  • Hospital school services (at larger children's hospitals)
  • Remote learning options
  • Ways to help your child stay connected with classmates
  • Ways to help your child do school tasks more easily
  • A designated contact person to help coordinate services and communication

Change the plan as your child's needs change.

Share updates as your child’s needs change

It may help to have one main contact from your child's care team and one main contact at the school. Talk with them about: 

  • Your child’s health needs 
  • Treatments, medicine, or care schedule 
  • Side effects from treatments or medicines 
  • Expected absences 
  • School assignments and deadlines 
  • Changes to workload or testing 
  • Classroom accommodations 
  • Your child’s privacy and peer relationships 

Create a positive learning environment

It’s important to be positive and supportive. Help your child set goals they can reach and celebrate their progress, no matter how small.  

To help support your child at home: 

  • Keep a regular school routine, whether at school or at home. 
  • Set up a quiet, organized, and comfortable place for study. 
  • Help your child with homework or assignments when needed. 
  • Plan more challenging tasks for times when your child has more energy.   
  • Be flexible, as your child’s needs may change over time. 
  • Praise your child’s efforts, not just their achievements. 

To support your child at school: 

  • Keep the school informed about your child's needs. 
  • Ask questions and stay informed. 
  • Work with teachers and school staff to address any concerns. 
  • Ask for help when needed. 
  • Get support from other parents who are going through similar experiences. 

Key points about school support

  • Children with a chronic illness or other medical condition may face challenges at school. 
  • When possible, staying involved in school can help children maintain routines, stay connected with classmates, and support learning. 
  • Work with your child’s care team and school to develop a plan and identify resources that meet your child’s needs. 
  • Stay in regular contact with your child’s school and care team and adjust the plan when your child’s needs change.  

—
Reviewed: September 2026

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