A serious health condition can affect your child's school experience. Children with serious health conditions may look healthy even when they are not. They may feel tired, have pain, or have trouble focusing. Sometimes they may be too sick to go to school or can only attend part of the day.
You can help the school understand your child's needs. You can also work with the school and care team to help your child keep learning and take part in school as much as possible.
Work with your child’s school and teachers to help them understand how your child’s condition and treatment may affect attendance and learning.
Respect your child's privacy
Your child has a right to privacy. Talk with your child about what they want others to know. Decide what health information you and your child are comfortable sharing with teachers, classmates, and other families. Then let the school know your wishes. Work together to make sure your child feels safe and protected.
Your child’s classmates may have questions about your child’s condition. Help your child think about what they want to say. Talk about what they would like to share and how they can respond to questions they do not want to answer.
Tell the school about your child’s condition
Share basic information about your child's health condition and treatment with nurses, teachers, and other school staff, who need to know. Explain how treatment may affect your child’s:
Attendance
Energy level
Ability to complete assignments
Ability to take part in school activities
Time needed to complete tasks and assessments
Let the school know about changes in your child’s health, treatment schedule, or support needs. Encourage school staff to ask questions so they know how to help your child.
Make sure your child’s needs are met
The services your child gets depend on their school and needs. Work with your child’s health care team and school to make a learning plan.
Review the plan often. If your child's needs change, ask for changes to the plan.
If you are having trouble getting information or support, contact a school staff member or administrator.
It may help to put requests in writing, such as an email. This ensures everyone gets the same information. They can also refer to it later if needed.
Ask for help
Caring for a child with a serious health condition can be stressful. It also takes a lot of time. You may want to ask a trusted family member or friend to help.
Good communication helps families and schools work together.
Your child's health and learning needs may change over time. Keep teachers and school staff updated.
When working with school staff:
Allow reasonable time for responses
Keep communication respectful
Focus on solutions
Ask questions if something is unclear
Speak up for your child's needs
Working together can help everyone support your child.
Help your child speak up for themselves
Learning to speak up is an important skill. It helps children explain what they need.
Children often learn by example. Let them know it is OK to ask for help when needed. Show them how to communicate clearly and respectfully. Let them know they can come to you with questions, ideas, or concerns.
Encourage your child to practice asking for help, explaining their needs, and speaking with teachers. Let them take part in ways that fit their age and comfort level. Help them make decisions when they are ready.
Questions to ask your care team
Is my child medically eligible to attend school?
Will my child need to take medicines during the day?
Who can help support my child at school?
How do I get this help?
Who should be my main contact at the school?
What information should I share with the school?
What academic supports are available?
Does my child need an IEP or 504 plan?
How should we communicate if my child's needs change?
Are there support groups or other families I could talk with?
Key points about being your child’s school advocate
Stay in touch with teachers and school staff.
Help the school understand how your child’s condition and treatment may affect school attendance and learning.
Monitor your child’s learning plan and work with the school to make changes when needed.
Get support from your care team, community resources, and other families who have been through a similar situation.
Help your child learn to speak up for themselves as they grow.
Youth returning to school after cancer, sickle cell, or other illness may need support. Learn how a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP) can help.
Homebound school services are educational programs for students who cannot attend regular school due to medical reasons. Learn about homebound instruction.
