School Reintegration Following Hospitalization
Sharon Grandinette, M.S.
He was just a typical student at the local school, then he...- was paralyzed after a surfing accident
- was diagnosed with cancer
- was in an accident and suffered a brain injury
- contracted encephalitis
- was a near drowning victim
- needed heart surgery
- was shot in the neck
All to often, school re-entry is a bumpy process using the "drop and pray" method. While not all medical illnesses/ injuries or conditions require hospitalization, those families who find themselves with a physician's note allowing their child to return to school are caught off guard. In many cases, the families are so grateful that their son/daughter survived the accident or illness, they may not have considered what struggles might lie ahead in school or with regard to activities of daily living. Below are some general steps that should be followed to help facilitate a smooth transition back to school for students who are hospitalized.
- Hospital instruction should be provided by the school district that the HOSPITAL is located in if the child resides there for more than 10 school days.
- While the student is still in the hospital or rehabilitation setting, the medical social worker should help the family notify their HOME school district regarding the child's illness and how it might affect his/her schooling.
- Someone from the HOME school district should be assigned to visit the child while in the hospital (school nurse, psychologist, Program Specialist).
- Any assessments completed at the hospital (Speech, OT, PT, Neuropsychological) should be shared with the home school district staff with parent written authorization/exchange of information forms so that HIPPA regulations are followed.
- PRIOR to discharge, if appropriate, a referral to Special Education/504 committee needs to be made in writing to the home school district. (Be aware that not all students with medical issues have to go through the full assessment process).
- PRIOR to discharge, medical/rehabilitation information about the severity of the student.s illness, injury, behavior, current medications, side effects and ongoing therapies MUST be shared with the school district.
- Referrals should be made to appropriate outside agencies (Regional Center, CCS, Mental Health, Vocational Rehabilitation).
- The HOSPITAL teacher should confer with a staff member from the home school district.
- School staff should TAKE THE TIME to introduce the family to the new world of Special Education/504 accommodations in a simple and informative manner.
- Hold an IEP/504 meeting that includes parents, student, school nurse, and relevant hospital and school staff
- Develop an IEP/504 plan that addresses:Develop an IEP/504 plan that addresses:
- Program accommodations/modifications
- Develop a plan that does not require student to “catch up” on missed work while hospitalized.
- Appropriate placement in the LRE with appropriate supports and services
- Related Services needs (APE, OT, PT, Speech, Vision, Hearing, Counseling)
- Physical limitations
- Adaptive devices
- Toileting and personal care
- Flexibility in schedule, extra time between classes
- Behavioral/mental health issues
- Transportation
- How to deal with a high number of absences/tardies due to medical appointments and/or on-going treatment (ie: allow for home instruction any time student is going out be absent for more than 3 days vs. waiting for 2 weeks)
- Student need for adult support, and at the same time help him develop independence
- Identify resources within and outside the school who can provide consultation and training to school staff about the medical condition and its effects (do not forget Paraeducators, bus drivers, lunchroom & playground supervisors).
- Provide information to classmates to reduce stares, inappropriate questions and fear regarding the illness or injury
- Set up a plan for regular feedback and communication between the educational team and parents. Do not wait for problems to develop
This article is from the CAPHI Newsletter, Fall 2005