The back-to-school season is approaching, and the Optimum Pediatrics nursing team is actively working with our patients and their families to prepare for their return to school. For medically fragile children and their families, the back-to-school season can be overwhelming and nerve-wracking, especially for children who will be cared for by new teachers and new school nursing staff.
At Optimum Pediatrics, our team believes that despite the challenges that the back-to-school season can bring for medically fragile children, this should be an exciting time for families. Our goal for the end of the summer is to help prepare our patients as best as possible to approach the new school year with confidence. Here are some of our best tips for helping families navigate the back-to-school season and have an awesome school year!
Review Your Child’s Medical Plan with the School Staff
For all families with medically fragile children, the Optimum Pediatrics team recommends meeting with the school staff prior to the school year in order to review your child’s medical plan. If your medically fragile child is on a medication regimen, then we suggest reviewing your child’s medication protocol during this time so that everyone involved can support your child throughout the school day. This will also give your child peace of mind knowing that their teachers, school nurses, and other school staff members are aware of their condition and up to date on what to do in case of an emergency.
Additionally, this conversation with school staff also opens up a segue way to discuss a potential or currently in place IEP (individualized education plan) or 504 plan for your child. These plans exist to help children receive educational accommodations, keeping them on track for their academic endeavors. Ensuring that your child’s teachers understand your child’s education plan will help give you and your family peace of mind as you approach the new school year.
Encourage Safe Extracurriculars for Your Child
Depending on your medically fragile child’s condition, the possibility of your child participating in an extracurricular activity may seem daunting. However, many schools have growing lists of clubs and organizations that seek to make all students feel included and feel like they are part of a community at the school. Our nurses at Optimum Pediatrics actively encourage our patients’ families to research their school’s clubs and other organizations to see what possibilities are available.
We believe that no matter what condition your child may have, there is a school-based organization and community that will welcome them. By seeking out these extracurriculars, medically fragile children can feel more confident in their school routine.
Seek Support from a School Counselor or Therapist
Because the back-to-school season can be stressful for medically fragile children, our Optimum Pediatric nurses recommend that our patients who are anxious about returning to school take advantage of school counseling. Many elementary, middle, and high schools offer counseling services, and regularly meeting with a therapist can help medically fragile children settle into the school year more easily. For younger children, school counselors can easily be identified as a “safe person” that your child can seek out in case of emergencies.
In our experience, we have also found that school counselors are some of the strongest allies and advocates for children with medically fragile conditions. Because of this, our Optimum Pediatrics team suggests that our patients and their families learn more about their school’s counseling program and meet with the school counselors before school starts.
Approach Back to School with Confidence
With these tips in mind, we hope that your family can confidently prepare for the back-to-school season and set your child up for academic success! We understand that sending a medically fragile child to school can be difficult, but we know that with the right people and the right resources in place, your child will be taken care of and positioned to thrive!
Optimum Pediatrics is excited to support all our patients who are attending school in the fall. For more information about our customized care services for medically fragile children, contact us here. Our team is ready to assist your family’s needs!
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