When it is time to send your child with hemophilia off to school, or for him to start a new year with new teachers, there are several things you can do to help keep your child safe and healthy.
To help prepare yourself, your child and your school for the new school year, take the following precautions:
• Before you child begins school, determine who will be in charge of contacting you if a situation occurs, and make certain they have your contact information.
• Emphasize the importance to this individual of identifying bleeds and treating them quickly.
• Explain to school personnel that it is important not to single out your child because it could cause him or her unnecessary embarrassment.
• Educate coaches, physical education teachers and trainers about hemophilia as they are often the ones who treat minor sports injuries.
• Early in the school year, arrange a time for your hemophilia treatment center coordinator to meet with your child’s teacher, principal, office secretary, physical education teacher and school nurse.
• Offer the staff education materials as an introduction. Try not to overload them with information.
• If you leave any educational materials with school officials, it is a good idea to attach your child’s photograph and your contact information as well.
• Keep the school nurse up-to-date about your child’s current and overall state of health.
For additional ideas, check out the National Hemophilia Foundation’s website.
Section 504
Be aware that students with hemophilia are protected under Section 504, a federal civil rights statute that legally entitles them to certain reasonable accommodations. Children have the right to create a 504 plan with their parents, teachers, counselors, hemophilia treatment center nurse and 504 coordinator. This plan should identify the child’s needs and reasons for special accommodations, spell out the specific accommodations the child requires, and makes school staff aware of their duties and responsibilities for the care of the child.
By following these tips you will be able to send your child off to school with confidence, rather than be nervously counting down the minutes until he or she gets home. The school will be prepared and know how to react if a situation were to occur, and it will also be informed on preventative measures it can take to ensure the safety of your child.
Sources:
Living with Hemophilia: http://www.livingwithhemophilia.com/webapp/on-the-go/articles/teach-the-teachers.jsp
National Hemophilia Foundation: http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/MainPgs/MainNHF.aspx?menuid=198&contentid=70&rptname=bleeding
U.S. Department of Education: http://ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html#interrelationship
Understandingspecialeducation.com: http://www.understandingspecialeducation.com/section-504.html
California Department of Education: http://www.dcn-cde.ca.gov/504/Units/Unit%20IV.htm