When children are diagnosed with cancer or a blood disorder, their entire world is turned upside down, including being able to attend school. Treatment often brings weekly doctor's appointments, monthly transfusions, frequent and sometimes lengthy hospitalizations, and often home confinement as a result of a suppressed immune system. The disruption in school attendance can be devastating to a child's development.
The School Intervention Program (SIP) provides assistance and guidance for parents and patients who are unfamiliar with available school services.
With the parent or guardian's permission, SIP staff makes contact with the school to coordinate a plan to help the patient continue his or education.
School plays an important role in the lives of these children and the School Intervention Program can help maintain a sense of normalcy with a team that works to help promote the child's education and advocates on their behalf.
"The School Intervention Program is like a puzzle. Everyone comes together to make the pieces fit, and in the long run this benefits the child," commented Toshau Henderson, mother of Jukiya, a patient at BI-LO Charities Children's Cancer Center.
A nurse, a social worker, and a patient education puppet are available to make a visit to the classroom to explain the child's illness and effects of treatment.
The SIP staff can also help:
- Consult with parents regarding their child's school needs and concerns
- Request homebound instruction for children enrolled in public school
- Communicate with teachers and school personnel to assist with school-related issues during and following treatment
- Coordinate visits to the school to provide education regarding the child's diagnosis and treatment
- Navigate and understand the educational system, empowering parents to be advocates for their child Attend school meetings with parents to assist with educational planning
- Advocate for patients (during and following treatment) ages pre-school through college Conduct neurocognitive testing and make educational recommendations based on results
"Children with cancer or a blood disorder already face many challenges, so we believe probleMs.. in school should not be one of them. We'd like to thank Clement's Kindness for their support of this very important program."
— Cathy King
Nursing Program Coordinator