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Classroom Accommodations for Children and Teens with Illnesses

Treatments for childhood cancer, sickle cell disease, and other serious illnesses may have long-lasting side effects that can affect learning.

Sometimes children and teens may struggle in school in ways they didn’t before diagnosis or treatment. Some students may have problems focusing and paying attention.

Parents meet with young child's teacher in classroom.

Federal law provides support and services to help students with challenges learn better. These resources are called Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans.

Some treatments can affect:

  • Memory
  • Learning
  • Focus
  • Attention
  • Processing
  • Organization

There are ways to help children adapt to changes. The key to getting the most out of these options is for your family, school, and hospital to work together. A school liaison can help you put this team together.

Federal law provides support and services to help students with challenges learn better. These resources are called Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans.

IEP or 504 plan meeting

What will happen during the meeting?

The 504 plan or IEP meeting may include:

  • School administrators
  • Counselor
  • School nurse
  • Teachers from school
  • Parents
  • Hospital school program teacher or liaison

The group will talk about the accommodations or support services your child might need in school. Members will identify the problems your child is having. And they will propose solutions.

What information should I bring to the meeting?

You know your child better than anyone.

Suggest approaches that have worked in the past.

Bring information about your child’s cancer and the side effects of treatment to share with educators.

What are tips for an effective IEP or 504 plan?

The IEP or 504 plan should specify the accommodations or support services your child needs.

Clear wording can get rid of confusion. For example, be specific about the memory aids your child will use.

Detail who has the job to carry out each part of the IEP or 504 Plan. Discuss all school settings that might require supports:

  • Each classroom your child spends time in
  • Outdoor recess
  • Physical education
  • Field trips

You know your child better than anyone. Be your child’s advocate in planning and monitoring your child’s progress. If you believe your child’s needs aren’t being met, ask for a meeting to discuss needed changes.

For more information, talk to your hospital’s school liaison or to a teacher or administrator at your child’s school.

Key Points

  • Treatment for serious childhood illnesses can affect your child’s learning.
  • There are ways to work with your child’s school to help your child do their best.
  • IEP and 504 plans can help you child learn in a setting that offers support.
  • Plans with clear wording can be the most effective.
  • If your child does not qualify for one of these plans, the school may still have options that can help.


Reviewed: May 2022