{"id":25851,"date":"2023-12-01T12:30:49","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T17:30:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hydroassoc.org\/?p=25851"},"modified":"2024-10-29T09:35:06","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T13:35:06","slug":"back-to-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hydroassoc.org\/back-to-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Back To School Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"BackThe end of summer also marks the beginning of a new school year. This can be an exciting yet stressful time for both parents and kids alike. Kids may be worried about facing the academic rigors of the school year, reestablishing their friendships, and\u2026well..having to wake up early again. Parents confront concerns about new teachers interacting with their child, understanding the challenges of hydrocephalus, and both the teachers and the school providing the proper support for academic and social success as well as safety.<\/p>\n

Before the School Year Begins<\/h2>\n

Visit Your Child\u2019s School<\/h3>\n

Schedule a time for you and your child to visit the school and your child\u2019s classroom before the school year begins. This is helpful for children who may have memory or navigational challenges and particularly for children who are starting a new school or for middle and high school kids who will need to change classrooms unassisted during the day.<\/p>\n

Elementary School – Some elementary school teachers will be happy to take a child through the classroom routine and place visual guides and checklists with the student that they will use throughout the day to remind them of \u201cnext steps\u201d and tasks.<\/p>\n

Middle and High School – For older kids, walking their schedule helps to reduce anxiety and familiarize them with the layout of the school in relation to their classes. Contact the school administration or your child\u2019s counselor to get a copy of their schedule and permission to walk the hallways.<\/p>\n

Attend School Orientations<\/h3>\n

Take advantage of school orientations. This is not only a chance for socialization where your child can connect with old and new friends, but it also allows them an opportunity to familiarize themselves with their schedule and the layout of the school.<\/p>\n

Meet with Key School Staff<\/h3>\n

If your child is new to the school, it\u2019s a good idea to meet with the school nurse and, if in middle or high school<\/a>, their guidance counselor a few days before the whirlwind of school starts. All children with hydrocephalus should have an Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) on file with the school nurse. Each school and\/or school district will have a form that you will be required to use. You can also provide a summary of your child\u2019s medical history that the nurse can keep in their files. Two sample documents can be found here: Medical History and Medication List Fillable Form<\/a> and\/or SAMPLE Brief Medical History<\/a>. You can also use either of these for summer camps<\/a> or extracurricular activities<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Starting Off the School Year Right<\/h2>\n

Review Your Child\u2019s IEP, 504, or Individual Service Plan<\/h3>\n

Review your child\u2019s Individual Education Plan (IEP), 504 Plan, or, if they are in private school, their Individual Service Plan (ISP) to remind yourself what it includes and to make sure it is still relevant to your child. Some parts of these plans to pay particular attention to: academic and\/or behavioral goals and objectives. Also, the accommodations and or modifications available to make the academics more accessible for your child. Make note of the next annual and triennial meeting due dates as well.<\/p>\n

Remember: You can ask to hold a meeting anytime to review your child\u2019s IEP or 504 Plan if you feel it needs to be adjusted before the next meeting.<\/p>\n

You may find these resources helpful as you advocate for your child:<\/p>\n