WORKING WITH SCHOOLS

Children with cardiomyopathy may require certain modifications or accommodations in the school setting. Below are general guidelines that can be used to educate the school staff on your child's special needs and circumstances.

Medication and Medical Care

The school nurse will need to understand your child's medical condition and treatment to keep your child safe and healthy. This will include his/her medication schedule and possible side effects, previous medical procedures, physician contact numbers, and a list of warning signs or concerning symptoms. For children that need to take medication during school hours, the school nurse will need to arrange a place for the medication to be stored and taken.

Activity Restrictions

Your child's physician can write a letter explaining his/her condition and provide guidelines on acceptable and unacceptable activities. Depending on your child's age, this may include playground, gym, or sports restrictions.

Social Issues

Your school counselor and teacher should be aware of possible social issues that may result from your child's condition. Because your child may be limited in his/her sports participation or be smaller in size, he/she may be more prone to teasing or bullying by other classmates. You can enlist the help of your child's teacher to educate the class on cardiomyopathy.

Cardiac Emergencies

The school nurse, teachers, and staff (administrative, lunchtime supervisors) should know how to respond to a cardiac emergency. Teachers should be briefed on emergency protocol, emergency call numbers, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automatic external defibrillator (AED) use. Certain states have passed legislation requiring schools to carry AEDs. If your child's school does not have one, you should petition the district office to purchase one. There are several AED manufacturers and non-profit organizations that assist schools in obtaining an AED.