Tips and Tricks to Keep Kids with Cystic Fibrosis in School
Children with cystic fibrosis can and should be attending school. Not only should they attend school, but as long as they are not experiencing some symptoms of their disease, there is no reason why they can't get involved in many outside activities if they desire, including sports.
It is important that the parent, or parents, of a child with cystic fibrosis meet with the teacher and school nurse to make them aware of their child's disease. Make sure the teacher is aware of the many possible disruptions to the class. Unless they have had experience with cystic fibrosis in the past, teachers will not know how to prepare. Help out by giving them a little instruction.
Also, take the teacher a pamphlet called "A Teacher's Guide To Cystic Fibrosis." It is very helpful to teachers trying to understand what will happen in their classroom.
This would be a good time to let the teacher know that you would like to keep the lines of communication open with them, as far as your child's health is concerned. If your kid seems to have some physical difficulty on a given day, let the teacher know that you would like to be informed about the particulars. And in turn, you can offer to keep the teacher apprised as to how your child has been feeling.
It would be a good idea to keep a duplicate set of school books at home, so when your child is too sick to go to school for a few days, they can still keep up with their school work as much as possible.
If the day comes that the child becomes too weak to attend school, it will be time to get them a tutor. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, allows for qualified children to have special services and support at, or through, their school.
I feel it is a good idea for a child to also wear a medical alert bracelet. If there ever is a problem, and you, the teacher or school nurse are not around, others can find out the child's special circumstances and get help accordingly.
There is nothing as great as a child in school. Not only does a child with cystic fibrosis need an education, they need the social interaction as well. Their self-esteem and outlook on life depend upon them being just like everybody else.
Published by Kathi Downs
I am the wife and mother of three grown sons; and I have 6 precious grandchildren, 3 boys and 3 girls. Reading and writing has always been a passion of mine. View profile
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- Close communication with the teacher is important.