Tube Feeding At School : 504 Plans Vs. IEP’S & IHP’S
The time is almost here to send your kiddos back to school. If you are a parent or caregiver of a Tubie, this time of year can become nerve-racking as you sort through how your child will be able to administer at school, what protocol you need to follow to ensure they are able to administer at school with the proper help, and all necessary items you may need to send with them for tube feeding at school. Luckily, school systems make it a smooth transition for both you and your child for tube feeding at school. To start this transition, schools will provide you and your child with either a 504 Plan, or an IEP and an IHP. As a parent of a Tubie, it is important to know which program/ plan is tailored best to your child’s situation. To learn more about each program/ plan, please read below.
504 PLAN
A 504 plan is catered towards children who have relatively, straightforward medical needs with no special education needs. It is also okay if they require some assistance or adaptations to attend school. These plans outline how special care, such as tube feeding, will be provided/administered to a child during the school day. A 504 Plan can include the need for a special school aid or a school nurse. 504 Plans are legally binding, but the language in the relevant laws is not as specific as it is for an IEP. In addition, complaints are handled by the Office of Civil Rights and not due process or the court system.
IEP
An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan. It is typically used for children who need any type of special education services or an adapted curriculum. If a child has very extensive medical needs, but no developmental or cognitive issues, an IEP may still be used if the medical condition severely impacts the ability to learn. The category of “Other Health Impaired” allows children with medical conditions to have an IEP. IEPs are incredibly comprehensive and will include all the adaptations and accommodations a child requires to access the curriculum, including how tube feeding administration will be handled, and if nursing or school aid service is required. They have the greatest legal protections and are the easiest type of plan to enforce legally.
IHP
Please note that it is recommended that an IHP is used as a component to a 504 Plan or IEP and should not be used as a stand-alone option. This is because they are developed solely between the parent/ child and come with no legal protection. In some cases, if your child’s special needs are extremely minimal, using a stand-alone IHP is fine. The IHP can be used as a great guidance for the school nurse or aid to be aware of your child’s situation and provide them with an outline of how they can assist your child. However, since it is not a legal binding document, make sure you also have 504 Plan or IEP.
WHAT EXACTLY SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE 504 PLAN/ IEP?
Who will be handling the administration of feeds
Where and how tube feeds at school will be administered
How/ if oral feeding will be used alongside tube feeding
Who will be responsible for troubleshooting the pump if a problem arises
How and when additional medications will be administered
Where and how tube feeding supplies and equipment will be stored and cared for
Any special instructions for school extracurricular activities such as recess
What to do if the tube comes out of place
Any specific instructions that cater to your individual child’s needs
HOMESCHOOLING
Luckily, since homeschooling is oftentimes done in the comfort of your own home, not much will need to change from your normal tube feeding routine. If you are comfortable with your child administering their feeds, or their chosen teacher, the transition will be simple. Unfortunately, laws on homeschool education are quite vague and vary considerably from state to state. Most states will provide homeschool services for any child who will be unable to attend school for a period due to medical circumstances, or intermittently if a child misses school frequently due to their medical circumstances. Please be sure to remember that tube feeding should not keep your child from attending public schools as there are specific plans and programs such as the 504 Plan and IEP to ensure your child has everything they need for successful feeding at school.
For more helpful information regarding how to tube feed at school, please click HERE.