ManagingSchool For Children With A Chronic Illness
Children suffering from chronic illnesses have to deal with a lot of emotional and physical stress. They have to regularly visit their practitioner in Brisbane, undergo painful treatments and miss school frequently. It can make them lag behind other children at school and affect their confidence. They may struggle to adjust in the class and pay attention to what the teacher is saying. They may fail to make friends and get bullied by kids, making them a recluse.
These are common problems faced by children suffering from diabetes, asthma, cancer, autism spectrum disorder and other chronic ailments. Thus, it becomes the responsibility of the parents, teachers and the medical caregivers to manage their schooling years without struggles. Here is how they can adjust and ensure proper education for the children.
1. Communicate With the School
Parents must inform the school about the condition of their child and interact with the teachers regularly. It is vital to make the teacher understand the symptoms and steps to be taken in case of emergencies. They must stay in constant touch to share work done in the class and assignments given for homework. When parents are updated about the schoolwork, they can ensure it is completed and submitted.
2. Create The Treatment Plan
Since children suffering from chronic conditions have to go through medical procedures often, parents must prepare a treatment plan. The plan must be made after consulting the school staff and the medical practitioner of the child. It will ensure that the child is not absent on important days, such as examinations, school performances, sports meets, etc. It will allow them to participate in every activity and stay connected with school and peers.
3. Make School More Comfortable for Children
Children who have special needs must be taught by teachers who are trained to deal with them. However, they should not be isolated from other children to ensure they feel a part of the group and accepted by others. The school must have all the medical equipment necessary to provide emergency aid to children suffering from chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes. They must have a protocol to deal with emergencies and inform the parents and the GP immediately.
4. Get Support From Specialised Teachers
Besides the school in Brisbane providing infrastructural support to children with chronic conditions, parents can urge them to invite specialised teachers. They can visit the school to help the child with speech development, personality building, stress-relieving and improving communication and attention. These can be psychologists, speech therapists, handwriting experts, etc. They can also help visually impaired children or those with hearing disabilities.
5. Create a Support Group With Parents
Parents of other children in the class must also be informed about the condition of the child. It can help evoke empathy among other children and their parents. It will ensure that the entire community comes together to support the ailing child and make his time in school worthwhile. For example, other parents can encourage their children to play with the child and share the missed classwork. They can help them with classwork and support them when they participate in activities.
Wrapping Up
Schooling is an integral part of the growing up years and helps in mental development. Children suffering from chronic conditions need extra support from teachers, staff members, parents and peers to manage school without challenges.
