Communication with the School
School is an important part of a child's life. In fact, going to school is the single most important responsibility of every child and teenager.
Up to 60 percent of a child's waking hours may be spent at school or in related activities. It is important that these activities be as positive and enriching as possible. This is no exception for a child with a chronic illness, such as arthritis. Perhaps it is even more important.
When a child has a chronic illness, it can affect activities at school. Many times special adjustments need to be made. All members of the team (the child, the parents, the health care team and the school staff) must work together to make school a positive experience.
The key to making things work at school is good communication between the school staff and the family. Most schools are quite willing to make any necessary changes in class programs, as long as they are given the necessary information. It is very helpful to meet with the teacher (or the principal, school nurse and / or physical education teacher) to discuss your child's health and special needs.
Schools need information about your child's:
- Illness
- Medications
- Special needs
They should be given information about why changes are needed and how changes can be made. The school staff will need appropriate instructions, materials and resources.
Sometimes a doctor's order is needed for changes to be made at school. Also, it may be helpful to have someone from your health care team call or meet with the school and discuss your child's medical history and needs.
School nurses can be an excellent resource to help other school staff understand medical information. (Remember, it is necessary for parents to give written permission in order to share information with the school).
The Arthritis Foundation pamphlet, When Your Student Has Arthritis, can provide helpful information for teachers and schools.
As the parent of a child with a rheumatic disease, you know the physical and emotional effects of the illness on your child.
You are also familiar with the daily problems of joint pain and stiffness and the routines of medications and therapy required to manage the illness.
The school needs to be familiar with these daily activities too. It is important for the school to understand that rheumatic diseases can fluctuate (or change) from day to day. Sometimes, they may even change, morning to afternoon or even hour to hour.
As you plan your child's school experience, think about common problems which may occur at school (such as stiffness, fatigue, pain, mobility problems, etc.).
Try not only to think about how your child is doing now, but to anticipate future concerns.
Think about planned absences from school (doctor appointments) or even unplanned absences (flares of disease, special tests and procedures).
It is important to talk to your child's teachers before the beginning of each school year. You cannot assume that information gets passed on from year to year.
The key is to discuss things before they occur so your child can have a positive school experience.
For more information about the William S. Rowe Division of Rheumatology at Cincinnati Children's, please contact 513-636-4676.
