The time has come and kids are heading back to school.
At the top of your list of “must dos,” should be how to prepare for another successful school year supporting the management of your child’s asthma with anyone who interacts with him or her.
Who is on that list? Maybe a few people you hadn’t considered or maybe you have but didn’t know how to get started.
The school nurse, teachers, the school bus driver, and anyone who’s on the “need to know” list set by the school nurse and you. Establishing a good network of care will help to insure your child’s safety as well as encourage him or her to participate in all aspects of the new school year.
The whole process is much easier if roles and responsibilities can be defined for the asthma doctor, the school nurse, teachers, the school bus drive and, of course, for you and your child.
You and your child need to complete an Asthma Action Profile to verify what you do and don’t know about your child’s asthma. It is important your child be included in establishing a current asthma record because you won’t always be there when he/she needs help. Visit www.breathepa.org or call 800-220-1990 and request an Asthma Action Profile. Make a copy of the one-page Asthma Record for the school nurse.
Next, meet with your physician, so your child and you can discuss, then create an Asthma Action Plan. This plan should cover medications used at home and school, purpose, dose, and what to do if your child has an asthma attack at school. Remember to provide current contact information and provide the needed medication for the school nurse office.
Meet with your school nurse and discuss what information should be shared with teachers and school bus driver. Your school nurse can determine the best way to share this information.
Everyone on the same page will help support your efforts in keeping your child healthy, in school and ready to learn. For additional information or to find out how you can bring an asthma program to your school, contact Jeannie Simms at 412-855-4594.