When Your Child is Able to Go to School

Many children undergoing cancer treatment spend most of their time with their parents. During this time, parents focus on protecting their child from germs and the stresses of the outside world. So when your child returns to school, you may feel a lot of anxiety. Remind yourself that going to school is an important part of normal life for a school-aged child.

Returning to school can be both exciting and frightening for your child. He may have concerns, both academic and social. Cancer and its treatment often have visible and invisible effects that may affect your child's educational path.

Before your child returns to school, meet with school administrators and teachers to discuss your child's needs and health issues. Request assistance from your child's medical team as needed; it is often willing to provide educational material to schools. You may also take advantage of print materials offered by The National Children's Cancer Society. Remember: most children feel strongly about being treated as 'normal' while at school; educating the school and fellow students will help promote this behavior. Since childhood cancer treatment may extend beyond one year, you may have to present this information again at the start of each new school year.

Here are some topics to discuss with school administrators and teachers prior to your child's return:

Your child's diagnosis and treatment plan.
Low blood counts and risk of infection.
Intravenous central-line issues (Port-a-cath or Broviac).
The importance of contacting you immediately whenever your child has a fever.
The importance of informing you if anyone in the school contracts an infectious disease (especially chicken pox).
Immunization restrictions.
Attendance issues, including who will pick up and return schoolwork during absences.
Whether your child will need special permission or a pass to go to the restroom or nurse's office, as needed.
Administering medication at school, if required.
Issues that may prevent your child from completing homework, such as treatment schedules or persistent fatigue.
The possibility of arranging for tutors in specific subject areas.
Classroom seating to accommodate hearing or visual problems.
Activity restrictions.
Whether special permission is required to wear a hat or scarf at school.
Handicapped accessibility, if needed.
Whether your child may take extra time to move between classrooms.
Who will explain cancer to your child's classmates? When should this discussion take place?
Who does your child want staff and peers to contact if they have questions?
If rumors start about your child, who will handle them and how?