The new school year is approaching quickly, and there’s more to prepare for than school supplies and class schedules. For families of children with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease (VWD), sickle cell disease (SCD), and other blood disorders, taking a few extra steps before the first day of school can help ensure students have the support they need to stay safe, healthy, and ready to learn.
Whether your child is entering preschool, starting middle school, or heading off to college, planning ahead can help prevent last-minute stress and make the transition back to school much smoother for everyone.
Many schools require updated health forms, medication authorizations, and emergency care plans before students can bring medications to school or receive accommodations. Waiting until the week before school starts can lead to delays, so we recommend beginning the process several weeks in advance whenever possible.
Your Back-to-School Checklist
Schedule Your Annual Comprehensive Care Visit
Annual comprehensive visits are an important part of your child’s care. These appointments allow your care team to review your child’s health, update treatment recommendations, and provide any documentation needed for school.
If your child is due for their annual visit, please try to schedule it before the school year begins.
Request Updated School Forms and Diagnosis Letters
Many schools require updated medical documentation each school year, particularly if your child has a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Depending on your child’s needs, you may need:
- An updated diagnosis letter
- Medication authorization forms
- Emergency care instructions
- Activity recommendations or restrictions
Requesting these forms early gives your healthcare team enough time to prepare them before school starts.
Review Your Child’s Treatment Plan
Before the first day of school, make sure you’re familiar with your child’s current treatment plan.
Consider questions such as:
- Has anything changed since last school year?
- Are medications current?
- Have emergency instructions been updated?
- Does the school have the latest information?
If you have questions, we’re here to help.
Update Emergency Contacts
Confirm that the school has current contact information for:
- Parents or guardians
- Emergency contacts
- Healthcare providers, when appropriate
Keeping this information up to date helps ensure the school can quickly reach the right people if concerns arise.
Meet with the School Nurse and Teachers
One of the best ways to prepare for a successful school year is to meet with key school staff before classes begin.
Consider discussing:
- Your child’s diagnosis
- Signs and symptoms staff should watch for
- When to contact parents or emergency services
- Any activity restrictions or accommodations
- Field trips and extracurricular activities
Open communication helps everyone feel more confident and prepared.
Confirm Medications at School
If your child takes medication during the school day or may need medication in an emergency, verify that all required paperwork has been completed and that medications are available at school before the first day.
Be sure to:
- Check expiration dates.
- Label medications appropriately.
- Confirm storage requirements.
- Understand who is authorized to administer medications.
Every school district has its own policies, so it’s important to review these requirements in advance.
Talk About Physical Education and Sports
Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for many children with bleeding disorders and sickle cell disease. However, every child is different.
Talk with your healthcare team and your child’s school about:
- Appropriate physical activities
- Any recommended modifications
- Warning signs to watch for
- When your child should stop participating and seek medical attention
Most children can safely participate in school activities with appropriate planning and communication.
Review 504 Plans and School Accommodations
Some students benefit from a 504 Plan to help ensure they have equal access to learning.
Accommodations vary depending on each student’s individual needs but may include:
- Access to water and restroom breaks
- Permission to carry water bottles or medications
- Modified physical education when needed
- Extra time between classes
- Flexibility for absences due to medical appointments or illness
- Elevator access, if appropriate
- A plan for managing emergencies at school
If your child already has a 504 Plan, review it each year to ensure it still reflects their current needs. If your child may benefit from accommodations but doesn’t yet have a plan, contact us to learn about available options.
We Can Help With School Communication
You don’t have to navigate these conversations with your child’s school alone. Your CIBD care team can help provide documentation or letters for teachers and school staff explaining your child’s medical needs and recommended accommodations.
Depending on your child’s individual needs, this may include accommodations such as access to water, rest breaks, or flexibility to miss school when medical attention or follow-up with their hematologist is needed.
If you’re preparing for a new school year or your child is transitioning to a new school, reach out to us early so there is time to prepare the appropriate documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should my child’s teacher know about their condition?
Yes. While the amount of information you choose to share is personal, teachers and school staff should understand any health considerations that could affect your child’s safety or learning during the school day.
What if my child is starting a new school?
Starting at a new school is a great time to introduce yourself to the school nurse, teachers, counselors, and administrators. Providing medical documentation and discussing your child’s needs before the first day can help create a smooth transition.
When should I request school paperwork?
As early as possible. Many families request forms shortly before school starts, which can create delays. Beginning the process several weeks before school begins allows plenty of time for paperwork to be completed.
We’re Here to Help
Preparing for a new school year doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Your CIBD care team is here to partner with you every step of the way.
If you need updated school forms, diagnosis letters, medication authorizations, or have questions about accommodations, treatment plans, or school-related concerns, please contact us as soon as possible.
Together, we can help you and your child start the year feeling confident, supported, and ready for success.
CIBD Clinic: (714) 221-1200