Returning to School after Childhood Cancer

Staying on Track with Schoolwork

Our education coordinator can help arrange in-home tutoring through your child’s school district to support continued learning and prevent your child from falling behind.

If your child is receiving inpatient care, OSF Children’s Hospital offers a school program staffed by certified teachers who can connect with your child’s regular school teachers to coordinate learning plans. Your child is always encouraged to bring homework or assignments to the hospital to stay engaged.

School Re-Entry Support

Returning to school after cancer treatment can be challenging for children and families. Our clinic’s child life specialist offers a welcoming School Re-Entry Program designed to prepare the classroom and school community for your child’s return. It is well documented that educating a child’s peers upon their return to the classroom can eliminate anxiety, fear, misconceptions and multiple questions your child’s peers and school staff may have.

As part of this program, the child life specialist will:

• Visit your child’s school to meet with teachers and classmates
• Provide age-appropriate education to classmates about what to expect, helping reduce fears and misunderstandings.
• Show a 20-minute video and use a teaching doll to explain how your child receives treatment as well as the side effects they may be experiencing, and how they can help keep germs away.
• Provide a letter to the teacher that may be sent home with classmates, discussing your child’s medical situation. The letter explains who spoke in the classroom and what parents can do to protect the returning child, such as keeping a child with a fever home. They will not use your child’s name.
• Inform the school of any common viral infections that may be dangerous

This hands-on support creates a positive, informed environment for your child’s return. Your child has the option to be there for the visit and be an active participant in the presentation by answering questions and sharing their story.

The presentation can be scheduled prior to returning to school. School consent will be required prior to setting up a school visit.

Assistance With 504 and IEP Plans

Navigating educational accommodations can be complex. Our education coordinator can help families by advocating the medical needs of your child which could include:

• Carrying a water bottle
• Wearing a hat for comfort after hair loss
• Not participating in hard-ball sports because of a central line
• Having the ability to eat a snack during steroid weeks

Please talk to your education coordinator for more information on school visits, 504 plans and IEPs.