Getting Ready to go Back to School

Depending on where you live, the first day of school could be just four to six weeks away. While that leaves you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of summer vacation, it doesn’t leave you much time to plan for your child’s medical needs during the school year.

If you have an older child returning to the same school, then this article is a gentle reminder to refill meds, label everything, get any doctor’s signatures you may need, etc. If, on the other hand, your child is just starting school, or entering a new school (even in the same district), then this article will help you get everything in place to help your child and the school staff handle any medical needs your child may have while away from home.

Step One: Do some research.

Contact the school, preferable the school nurse if there is one, and find out what the district guidelines are for children taking medicine at school. In the United States, rules vary from state to state and even from school to school within the same district. Also, visit your state’s Web site (www.searchgov.com is a good starting point) to learn state laws and regulations. Here is why:

In New York State, the law provides that ANY school age child, may carry a pocket inhaler on his/her person with proper documentation from the parent and physician. My school district, however, attempts to countermand that law by restricting elementary students from carrying pocket inhalers. I doubt schools have the power to change state law at the elementary level. Make sure your legal rights to medical care are not in jeopardy.

Step Two: Write out your Asthma Action Plan.

Although this is Step Two, it is as critical as your child’s medications. Your Asthma Action Plan details what procedures school staff (teachers, nurses,) need to follow if your child has an asthma attack during school. If you are unsure, your doctor can help you create a specific plan for your child.

Some of the information on the plan may include: Medications, doses and how/when to be administered Meds for field trips Peek Flow Meter instructions How and when to contact you or the doctor How your child reacts and how to keep them calm if necessary List some things NOT to do, like offering sips of water instead of medication (we actually had that problem. It took a call from the doctor to correct it.) Does your child have any restrictions in terms of physical activity; if there are none, then say so! (We had this problem, too. At one point, play ground aids would not let my son run too fast because they were afraid he would have an asthma attack.)

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