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February 2006
Parents and Schools—Working TogetherYour child has diabetes. Here's what you can do to protect your child’s health at school As schools become larger, it can be hard for children to control their day. After all, they need to attend classes when they’re told, go to lunch at certain times and have only a few minutes between classes for bathroom breaks or snacks. “Rigorous schedules can be tough on children with diabetes,” says social worker Lisa Strohl of Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Helwig Diabetes Center. “Your child may need more time to use the restroom, check blood-sugar levels or administer injections.” School policy may not allow children to eat snacks in class or on the bus, and teachers may not understand that eating occasional snacks help children with diabetes keep blood-sugar levels healthy. “Most local school districts have no more than five children with diabetes, so school officials may not understand how to care for and respond to children with diabetes,” Strohl says. “Open communication is the most important tool in working effectively with your child’s school.” Parents as TeachersIt’s your responsibility to help teachers and administrators understand your child’s special needs. Where to begin?Children with diabetes are granted many federal rights, and one governmental act in particular can serve as your guide: Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504. “The act facilitates communication between you and school districts officials to make sure your child is well-cared for,” Strohl says. “You should develop a Section 504 plan every school year from kindergarten through high school.” Contact your school principal before the beginning of each year to discuss your 504 plan. “The meeting should include your child’s teachers, school nurse and coaches - anyone who’ll be involved with your child,” Strohl says. Determine which people at the school should know about your child’s illness and who will care for them in case of an emergency. Discuss your child’s everyday needs, too. Through the act, your child has the right to:
To Learn More about putting together a 504 Plan for your child, click here. This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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