By BRENDA McLEAN
Guest Columnist
Once again, parents are confronting the reality of sending kids back to school during a global pandemic. This time means excitement, new experiences and an opportunity to grow, but if their student has a chronic medical condition, it can be especially worrisome if they’re under age 12 and/or unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
In my work as a school counselor for kids with chronic medical conditions – specifically rare bleeding and blood disorders – I help families prepare ahead of the school year with their health in mind. My best advice is to be proactive in gathering the right information to develop a plan that will best help the student in the school environment.
Develop a health plan with your student’s healthcare provider.
Share the school’s complete COVID-19 safety plan with your student’s healthcare provider, who has the best understanding of their health condition and how a potential COVID-19 infection could impact returning to the school environment. They can help weigh the risks given how the school plans to help mitigate infection, and s/he should list your student’s medical needs, requirements, restrictions, or supports in writing. This list should explain what your child needs to safely engage to the fullest extent at school.
Share your student’s health plan with the school nurse and administrators.
Collaborate with the school nurse and staff to review the written plan from your child’s healthcare provider. Together, develop a health plan to include how the school will meet the needs of your child as outlined by the provider, including social and emotional needs. Explore the need to develop a Section 504 document or assessment for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to support your child’s unique learning needs. Consider possible health situations that may arise and ways to encourage school attendance, participation and self-advocacy.
Talk to your student about their health plan and the school year ahead.
Discuss this health plan with your student, and talk to them about why it’s important. Let them share how they feel about it. Kids don’t want to feel different or singled out; they need to talk through ways to reduce these concerns and understand that the school staff are there to be supportive and will work hard to take care of them. Also, talk with your student about properly advocating for their own needs in school and wearing their medical ID bracelet or necklace.
COVID-19 continues to impact how schools and families think about health and safety, especially when it comes to students with chronic medical conditions. Collaborating with healthcare providers and school staff is key to clear communication and the best plan to support your student. If you need help in understanding or obtaining necessary educational support or accommodations for your child, a list of advocacy groups can be found on the Indiana Department of Education website (doe.gov). You are not alone; we are all in this together.
Brenda McLean is a school counselor with the Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center (IHTC) who helps school-aged patients and their families navigate education settings with their health concerns in mind. Brenda also works directly with school staff and administration to help advocate for children’s unique needs in the school setting.