Returning to School

Our education coordinator can set up home-bound tutoring through your child’s school district in an effort to keep them on track. For inpatient stays, OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois provides a school program. Our certified teachers communicate with your school district to align their programming with what is presently being taught in your child’s classroom. You are welcome to bring homework, as well. You may contact the teachers at OSF Children’s Hospital for tutoring services by calling (309) 624-0235.

When the doctor clears your child for school, a special program for school re-entry will be provided by our education coordinator. The program includes a 20-minute video, which will be shown to your child’s class and discussed with the students. The specialist will bring a teaching doll to explain how your child receives treatment and the side effects they may be experiencing. The presentation includes discussion about St. Jude, cancer, germs and ways to help. It is well documented that educating a child’s peers upon their return to the classroom can eliminate anxiety, fear, misconceptions and multiple questions the staff and peers may have. A school consent will be required prior to setting up a school visit.

Your child has the option to be there for the visit. The school presentation can be scheduled prior to their return to school, or your child can be an active participant in the presentation by answering questions and sharing their story. 

In addition, the education coordinator will provide a letter to the teacher that may be sent home with your child’s classmates, discussing your child’s medical situation. Without using your child’s name, the letter will explain who spoke in the classroom and what parents can do to protect the returning child, such as keeping a child with a temperature home and informing the school of any common viral infections that may be dangerous.

The education coordinator can also assist the educators in developing a 504 plan or an IEP by advocating the medical needs of your child. This may include carrying a water bottle to decrease germs, wearing a hat for comfort after hair loss, not engaging in hard-ball sports because of a central line, having the ability to eat a snack during steroid weeks, etc. On most occasions, these are things that often get overlooked. Please talk to your education coordinator for more information on school visits, 504 plans and IEPs.