School Precautions for a Child on Chemotherapy

Returning to School

• Many doctors encourage children undergoing chemotherapy to remain in school, according to the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital. If your child feels well enough and her doctor doesn't believe she's in danger, school can help her feel better because it's normal for her. Seeing her friends and having school work to do can also distract her from her treatment for a short period of time so she feels like any other child. The American Cancer Society notes that going back to school also gives many children hope for the future.

Medications and Routines

• Before your child goes back to school, review any medications and routines he must stick to even in the classroom. Your child might need to use the restroom more often or eat a snack several times throughout the day. Meet with your child's teachers and the school administrators to discuss whether he'll need to take medication while at school and who will be responsible for administering it. In many school districts, a parent is the only one allowed to give medication, but in others the school nurse is authorized to do so. The American Cancer Society recommends that your child's cancer treatment team draft a letter outlining the care he needs while at school so everyone is on the same page. You'll also need to tell your child's teacher what she needs to watch for in terms of symptoms or behaviors, as well as what your child isn't able to do while he's receiving chemotherapy.

Sickness

• When your child is receiving chemotherapy, it impacts her immune system, which can make her more susceptible to illness. Your child's oncologist will work with you and school officials to be sure your child is safe while at school. This might mean that your child needs to wear a face mask or that the entire class wear the masks when a bug is going through the school. It might also mean that your child has to stay home until the illness has run its course through the school. According to the American Cancer Society, you do need to be concerned about chicken pox. Your child's school needs to notify you immediately if a student comes down with the chicken pox because your child will need additional treatment to protect her.

Additional Considerations

• If your child has lost his hair from chemotherapy, he might be worried that his peers will tease him. Whenever possible, visit your child's class before he returns and explain that he might look a little different but that he's still the same friend they remember from before.
  Your child might get tired more easily than normal. Talk to his teacher about a spot where he can rest if he needs to, such as a bed in the school nurse's office. He might need to sit out during physical education class and require help carrying his backpack or lunchbox, too. Most teachers are willing to adjust the school work load for children undergoing chemotherapy. If your child seems overwhelmed, talk with his teacher about reducing his load. Almost all schools are very accommodating and will work with you to make your child's transition back to school as easy as possible.