Elementary School
Now the big yellow school bus transports your child to their first formal place of learning. This may be your first daily separation, and your goal will be to insure their safety and continued academic success. There are many factors to be considered, and there is much help available.
• New HIPAA regulations do not allow the school nurse to disclose to anyone, including your child’s teachers, that he or she has epilepsy. So, anyone you want to be prepared to offer first aid will need to be told by you directly. This could be all of the teachers and school support staff that surround your child every day, including bus drivers, lunchroom workers and playground monitors. Again, arranging for first aid training might prove very helpful.
• Some children have a healthy attitude about their seizures and would like to participate in a classroom instruction about epilepsy. These trainings can be provided to children of all ages and often speak to the fact that everyone is different in some way, and those differences should be accepted in the most positive light.
• Not all children with epilepsy require special education. If you feel that might be the case with your child, it is your right to request an evaluation by a child study team to determine their need for these services. If the school does not agree with your request for an evaluation, you can pay for an independent evaluation. Should that evaluation present a strong case for special education services, you may be reimbursed for your expenditure.
• The law requires that your child receive a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. As parents, you are part of any decision-making team, have the right to request assistance, and have a say in your child’s education plan. It is important for you to learn about the laws that protect your child. It is equally important not to allow yourself to be intimidated by the professionals providing instruction and support to your child, while showing your gratitude for their interest in their support.
• Participating in gym and going along on field trips can pose special problems for children with epilepsy. Talk with your treatment team about any sports/gym/travel restrictions that they feel should be put in place. Then, have your doctor draft a letter of explanation about these limitations to have on file with the school nurse and/or added to your child’s special education plan. Remember, your child’s participation in these activities is protected by law. You have the right to request a special accommodation that would allow your child to share in all of these activities whenever possible.
• Epilepsy is not an excuse for disruptive behavior. Every behavior has a cause. Some to consider might be anger, frustration, fear, peer rejection, bullying, or even possibly medication side effects. Working together with your treatment and education team will help you uncover the cause and hopefully find the remedy. Behavioral issues can be as significant a barrier to educational success as any other, and need to be quickly addressed.
• IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
http://idea.ed.gov/
• No Child Left Behind
http://www2.ed.gov/nclb/landing.jhtml
• Discrimination: Section 504 and ADA
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html
• Special Education Guidance:
http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html