September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, we will share many lessons that our family has learned from childhood cancer.
Our family is INCREDIBLY blessed. Patrick's Aunt Jenny is a special education administrator. So even at 2 1/2, we made sure that Aunt Jenny was VERY involved with Patrick's schooling.
Our family is INCREDIBLY blessed. Patrick's Aunt Jenny is a special education administrator. So even at 2 1/2, we made sure that Aunt Jenny was VERY involved with Patrick's schooling.
More about your rights at school
When it comes time for your child to go back to the actual school it is more than likely they are going to need some type of accommodations. They might need to take medications during the day, they might have restrictions, and they might need more intensive support.
Let’s start with the least of support that they might need. Some important people to talk to…
1. School Nurse – let them know EVERYTHING – sign release papers for them and let them know what the course of treatment is for your kiddo. They can help with meds and feedings if necessary.
2. School Principal – they should know everything too. My recommendation is to set up a meeting with the teacher, principal, nurse and anyone else necessary. Let them know what’s going on and help them out with what is needed.
3. Special Education Coordinator – okay, before we get too nervous let me explain to you what a friend these people can be (and not just because I was one). They know the law, probably better than anyone else. They can lead you in the right direction.
4. Teacher – they of course are your first line of defense. They know what’s going on in class and how to help out.
5. Guidance Counselor – again, don’t get nervous about this – they can help out with talking to other kids, helping your little one out with concerns they have in school, and they are a great resource for you as well.
What most children with cancer are entitled to is what is called a 504 plan. The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.
This plan is constantly reviewed and can be changed as needed.
Here’s a great website to review what is offered under the 504 plan:
http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/legal-rights/868-section-504.gs
Let’s start with the least of support that they might need. Some important people to talk to…
1. School Nurse – let them know EVERYTHING – sign release papers for them and let them know what the course of treatment is for your kiddo. They can help with meds and feedings if necessary.
2. School Principal – they should know everything too. My recommendation is to set up a meeting with the teacher, principal, nurse and anyone else necessary. Let them know what’s going on and help them out with what is needed.
3. Special Education Coordinator – okay, before we get too nervous let me explain to you what a friend these people can be (and not just because I was one). They know the law, probably better than anyone else. They can lead you in the right direction.
4. Teacher – they of course are your first line of defense. They know what’s going on in class and how to help out.
5. Guidance Counselor – again, don’t get nervous about this – they can help out with talking to other kids, helping your little one out with concerns they have in school, and they are a great resource for you as well.
What most children with cancer are entitled to is what is called a 504 plan. The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives accommodations that will ensure their academic success and access to the learning environment.
This plan is constantly reviewed and can be changed as needed.
Here’s a great website to review what is offered under the 504 plan:
http://www.greatschools.org/special-education/legal-rights/868-section-504.gs
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