The start of a new school year is both an exciting and stressful time, especially for families with medically complex children. Each child's needs are unique, and managing their care requires careful planning and coordination.

There are many different types of medical complexities and conditions, here are some of the most common:

Cerebral Palsy
Epilepsy
Congenital Heart Disease
Down Syndrome
Cystic Fibrosis
Chronic Lung Disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Diabetes Mellitus
Sickle Cell Disease
Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases

Each of these conditions require thoughtful consideration from schools and parents to ensure appropriate care and support throughout the year. In this blog post we provide some factors to help guide you and your medically complex child for not only the first day but through the entire school year.

Relieve Nervousness

Visit the classroom before the first day to familiarize your child with their new environment.
Maintain a positive attitude at home to create excitement instead of anxiety.
Set up an individual meeting with your child’s new teacher to discuss their care plan and medical needs.
Create a back-to-school health checklist
Practice going to school (walking, driving, bus route).
Go school supply shopping.
Pick out their first day-of-school outfit.
Plan a special dinner or activity the night before school.
Review their first day of school schedule with them.
Plan something fun for after the first day.

2. Communicate with the School

Establishing clear communication channels between the school and your child’s teacher is crucial. Before school starts, set up a meeting with administrators and other relevant individuals to go over your child’s medical needs and their care plan. Here are some questions to ask during this meeting:

Questions for school administrators:

What responsibilities does the school nurse have during the school day?
What responsibilities does the special education teacher have?
What emergency contacts are on file for my child?
What does the special education program look like?
Questions for teachers:
What will the first day of school look like in my child’s class?
Have you had a child in your class before that dealt with a similar condition?
What is the best way to communicate with you?
Can we set up a weekly or monthly meeting to go over how my child is doing?

Asking questions like these will help start your medically complex child’s school year on the right note. However, maintaining open and ongoing communication with the school is essential. For instance, if you are aware of upcoming hospital visits or medical appointments, inform school administrators and teachers. Share details about the anticipated absences and any specific medical needs your child may have when they return. By keeping the lines of communication open, you create a collaborative environment where the school and your family work together to meet your child's needs.

3. Create a Safe Environment

Creating a safe school and home environment will set your medically complex child up for success and reduce anxiety throughout the year. Here are 3 actions you can take to ensure this:

Evaluate School Facilities: When visiting the classroom before the first day, take time to assess the facilities and accessibility to ensure they are equipped to handle your child's specific needs.
Discuss emergency protocols: Ensure the school has a plan in place and is prepared to provide the required support and respond effectively in a medical emergency.
Create Workspace: Before the start of school, ensure your home has a comfortable space so your child can study and do homework. It is best that this space is separate from their relaxation space. Differentiating the two will help with productivity and ease of mind for your child.

4. Additional Support Options

Some medically complex children may require additional resources beyond what the school provides. If you feel the school's resources are insufficient for your child's needs, consult your child's physician about alternatives such as homeschooling or private duty nursing.

Homeschooling: If your child is not mentally or physically ready for the school year, homeschooling might be a suitable option. Research local programs and discuss potential options with school administrators

Private Duty Nursing: To ensure your child's needs are met during the school day, consider hiring a private duty nurse to accompany them to school. This can be particularly beneficial if homeschooling is not ideal, but the school cannot fully address your child's medical needs. Private duty nurses will attend school with your child, ensuring their medical needs are consistently met throughout the day.

5. Develop a Routine

Before School Starts:

Consistent Schedule: A few weeks before school begins, start having meals, going to bed, and waking up at the same time each day. This helps ease the transition when the first day arrives.
Calendar Management: Keep a calendar to track important appointments and dates. This allows you to plan and visualize your child's day, making necessary adjustments as needed.

During the School Year:

Regular Bedtime: Ensure your child gets enough sleep by maintaining a consistent bedtime throughout the year.
Dedicated Homework Time: Set aside specific time each day for your child to work on homework. This helps improve academic performance and reduces stress.
Balanced Routine: Maintain a balanced routine at home, creating separate spaces for your child to relax, study, and decompress. This contributes to a healthy and happy lifestyle.
Establishing a daily routine is a simple yet effective way to reduce stress and support your child's success. For more tips, check out our July blog post.

6. Have a Nutrition Plan

Proper nutrition is essential for the well-being and academic success of children, especially medically complex children. Here are some steps to take to ensure they are receiving the energy they need.

Collaborate with your child's healthcare provider to create a personalized nutrition plan that meets their specific dietary needs.
Ensure that your child has a balanced diet that includes all necessary nutrients to support their growth and immune system.
Pack nutrient-dense snacks and meals that are easy to eat and transport, considering any dietary restrictions or feeding challenges your child may have.
Communicate with the school about your child's dietary needs and about any allergies, special dietary requirements, or necessary accommodations.
Encourage your child to drink water throughout the day and ensure they have easy access to fluids.
For children with specific feeding schedules or children who tube feed , coordinate with the school to ensure they are following their usual feeding routine.

7. Seek Emotional and Social Support

Regular Check-Ins: Make a habit of checking in with your child regularly to see how they are feeling. This can be done over breakfast, on the way to school, or whenever it's convenient and comfortable.
Engage in Extracurricular activities: Attending after school events allow your medically complex child to engage with peers outside the classroom. This helps your child get excited about school and form meaningful relationships.
Connect with Other Parents: Reach out and introduce yourself to other parents at your school. Look for parents who have children with special needs or medical complexities. Building a network of caregivers provides mutual support and advice.

Understanding and addressing the specific needs of medically complex children during the back-to-school period involves thorough planning, effective communication, and collaboration. By preparing ahead of time and considering these factors, parents and caregivers can ensure a smoother and more successful school year for their children. Remember this is an exciting time for you and your child, so enjoy it!

Transitioning Back-To-School with a Medically Complex Child

Relieve Nervousness