The back-to-school season brings both excitement and challenges, especially for families with children who have complex healthcare needs. While meeting new teachers and reuniting with friends is thrilling, the uncertainty surrounding your child’s care, academic, and social needs can be overwhelming.
At Child Neurology Foundation (CNF), we’ve curated this resource page to help you confidently navigate the school year, with practical tips and resources tailored for your child’s unique needs.
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Proven Tips and Strategies for a Smooth School Year
Connect Early with Your Child’s Teacher
Provide a simple, customized information sheet about your child that can be shared with all school staff, including educational assistants, cafeteria staff, custodians, counselors, and administrative staff.
Empower your child’s school journey with tips from the Exceptional Lives Foundation. Customize and share personalized information sheets with teachers and staff to ensure your child’s needs are understood and met.
If possible, visit the school with your child before the school year begins. This can help relieve stress and anxiety. Use this opportunity to introduce your child to their teachers and share tips about what calms your child and what might trigger anxiety.
Prepare Your Child’s Team with Up-to-Date Medical Information
Ensure that your child’s team is equipped with current, relevant medical information. For example, if your child has seizures, make use of the Child Neurology Foundation’s Seizure Action Plan.
Download the Seizure Action Plan to ensure all team members know what to do in case of an emergency.
Printable / Fillable / Español
Understand Your Child’s IEP or 504 Plan
Be familiar with your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan. Knowing the goals, accommodations, and modifications will help you effectively advocate for your child.
Explore tips from the Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance to become more informed and better prepared.
Advocate Fearlessly for Your Child
Don’t hesitate to advocate for your child’s needs. While schools have many experts, you are the expert on your child.
Learn how to advocate effectively with this guide from Global Genes.
Podcasts We Love: Navigating School with a Child with Complex Healthcare Needs
Explore these insightful podcasts to gain more understanding and practical advice for the school year:
Mental Health and School
“One in six U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year, and half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), behavior problems, anxiety, and depression are the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children. Yet, about half of youth with mental health conditions received any kind of treatment in the past year.” – NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
The Kids Mental Health Foundation is an invaluable resource for caregivers, coaches, teachers, and kids who may encounter someone with mental health challenges throughout the school year. Teachers and coaches can access free lessons to help students and can even sign up to receive a free kindness kit for their classroom.
IEP and 504 Resources
The Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Alliance has created a comprehensive guide for caregivers on the IEP process from start to finish.
Watch this video where Audrey Vernick walks you through the available resources, from “All About Me” documents for teachers to “IEP at a Glance” tools.
Navigating the IEP Process
This free, online, self-paced course helps you understand everything you need to know about IEPs.
Special Education Resource Guide
This comprehensive spreadsheet is designed for parents, caregivers, and educators navigating school and learning after epilepsy surgery. Each tab covers assessments, specially designed instruction, supplementary aids and services, and more.
Additional Information on School and Learning
Medicaid Expansion in Schools
Recently, several states have expanded Medicaid services to schools. What does this mean for your child with complex healthcare needs? It means that your school can bill for services covered by Medicaid and provide those services directly in the school setting.
Some services include:
- Behavioral health services
- Occupational and Physical Therapy
- Disease management
- Preventative care
Learn more about State by State Medicaid Details
Have other back-to-school resources you’d like to share?
Click on the button below, and one of our team members will reach out to schedule a discovery call where you can share your ideas and learn more about how to bring social services to your network!
The content provided in Child Neurology Foundation (“CNF”) webinars, interviews, and other programs are offered as an educational service. This information is provided on the understanding that it does not constitute medical or other professional advice or services. It is no substitute for professional care by a doctor or other qualified medical professional and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. The views and information expressed by speakers in CNF programs are those solely of the speaker and not necessarily of CNF or the speakers’ associated institution(s). CNF assumes no responsibility for any injury or damages arising out of or related to any use of this information or for any errors or omissions. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy on the programs should not be construed as a CNF endorsement.