At least 15% of all school children in

regular classroom today have some

type of chronic health condition.

It is important that parents and teachers

are not only but also aware of how these

condition can impact learning and

school adjustment.

Pain episodes are often preceded by

• Infection

• Dehydration

• Certain chemical imbalances in body

fluids but can last from hours to many

days

Mild pain episodes may be tolerated at

school with the help of pain

medication.

But if they have more than a mild pain

episodes they will be require to stay at

home or be hospitalized.

But historically we have under – treated

pain for fear of kids becoming addicted

to pain medicine.

It is important that parents, school nurse

inform teachers of the medical care

plan.

We strongly advise schools to allow

parents to keep a child at home due to

the pain without needing a note from

physical.

Some kids with fatigue quickly during

vigorous physical activity depending on

the severity of the anemia.

Children typically know what they can

tolerate although parents will sometimes

recognize when child tends to not realize

their limit.

A child with sickle cell disease may need

longer period of time to recover from

vigorous activities than there peers.

If a child looks particularly pale show a

low and decreased tolerance for

physical activity and seem “run down”

this may be a sign that their anemia has

become wore

The school nurse and the parent should

be notified.

The kids with sickle cell disease usually

have less ability to fight off infection than

peers.

Infection is the leading cause of death in

young kids with sickle cell disease.

Teacher can help these children by

planning ahead with the child and

parents to provide them with the

information they missed when away

from school.

Maintaining good hydration is one best

way to prevent painful episodes and

other complication of sickle cell.

It is important that you allow that child to

take frequent drink or to have a bottle of

water in class.

Some children may benefit from

guidance counselor or psychologist in

managing stress and getting emotional

support.

Occasionally teachers have concerns

that a child may be making complaints

of symptoms of sickle cell disease to get

out of classroom activities.

Most children with sickle cell disease are

best served in regular class with an

individualized health care plan by

parents, school nurse, and other school

staff.

This plan includes :

• a brief of health care issues

• Problems

• Goals

• An emergency plan

• Any necessary training needed by school

staff.

The child’s health care plan should be

reviewed :

• Annually by school team and parents

• As often as necessary