Preparing for Medically Complex Families for back to School

1. Complete Necessary Paperwork in Advance: Over the summer, ensure all required paperwork is filled out ahead of time. This can often be found on the school's website, particularly forms related to medical conditions and health plans, including those for medication administration. Notify your physician in advance, as it may take several days for them to sign off on the paperwork that needs to be submitted to the district. Avoid waiting until the last minute; do this right away.

2. Order Extra Medication Early: If your child needs extra medication for school purposes, request it from your physician well in advance. Give the physician a few days to process this request to avoid any last-minute issues.

3. Update on New Developments: If your child has had any new developments in their diagnosis or now uses a new medical device, be sure to update this information in the health section of your child's records. This information will go directly to the district nurse. It is crucial to keep school staff informed of changes, including new diagnoses, medications, or devices.

4. Schedule Appointments Wisely: Schedule your child's appointments during times that minimally disrupt their school day, such as during lunch, recess, after school, or on modified/no school days. The more class instruction they miss, the harder it can be for them to catch up.

5. Prepare Adaptive Equipment in Advance: If your child needs any special adaptive equipment for their classroom, such as adaptive pencils or noise-cancellation headphones, purchase them in advance. Avoid waiting until the last minute to ensure your child has what they need from the start of the school year.

6. Plan your child’s school pick-up arrangements. Whether they’re being picked up by a friend, carpooling, or taking the bus, having these details sorted out ahead of time can help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.