Do substitute teachers need medical info about students?

Do substitute teachers need medical information for the individual students?

This question recently became a reality for me as I handled a medical emergency in class while subbing in a 5th-grade math classroom.

Last week, a student had a seizure in my classroom. I was not aware of her seizure disorder and that seizures had been occurring more frequently in school. I would have loved to be more prepared for the possibility of her having a seizure in class.

Am I entitled to that information as a substitute teacher?

As a parent of a student with a seizure disorder, I would be upset if the adults in charge of my kid were not made aware of her potential to have a seizure in class. Her medical information ought to be provided to subs if the potential for it to affect their classroom exists.

I was subbing in a 5th-grade math classroom. During independent practice work time, I was assisting a group of students, and all of a sudden, several students came and got me. A student in my class was having a prolonged absence seizure. Thankfully for that student and me, I have experience with that type of seizure because of my daughter.  I am proud of how her peers knew about her condition, reacted to the situation correctly, and got her help when she needed it. My concern, though, is what if she were with a sub who did not have experience with absence seizures. What if the sub felt she was being defiant or having a fit?

This student was unresponsive, but her eyes were open, and her arms crossed as if she were protesting something. After making her safe and sending students for another classroom teacher to help, we were able to call the nurses and principals down and get her the medical attention that she needed.

Despite my experience with seizures, I was overwhelmed by the experience, and it took me about 30 minutes to calm myself down. Not only was this my first classroom emergency, but I was not aware that this child had a seizure disorder.

I later found out that this student has been having seizures in school more frequently and had two in school the week prior. While I understand privacy requirements, as a substitute teacher in her classroom, this information would have been beneficial for me to keep an eye on this student while she was in my class.

This situation made me wonder about the guidelines for providing substitutes with pertinent medical information about students.

I have been in schools where this information is available in the sub binder regarding individual students with medical and behavioral needs. Teachers don't consistently provide this information to subs. Information regarding a student's seizure disorder was not provided to me as a sub when it was needed. To me, this is a problem.

As parents, how do we make sure our kids' pertinent information is provided to the adults in charge when they need it? 

-Abby, Guest Blogger

Teachers Are Not Aware That She Has Epilepsy

In addition to freelance writing, I work part-time as a substitute teacher in my kids' school. I have a background in education, but I chose not to teach full-time, in part because of my child with epilepsy. I need to be available to her in an emergency. Substitute teaching allows me to stay involved in education and have a flexible schedule for my kids. My son is in kindergarten, and my daughter is in first grade.

Teachers don't always like it when parents substitute teach, and I can understand that. Any person with any bachelor's degree can obtain a subbing license, and parents don't always make the best subs. My background in education puts me at an advantage. I know how to teach.  I've developed a reputation for being a qualified sub in the building, and I think they like me.

Telling People She Has Epilepsy

I was recently subbing in kindergarten for my son's class. One other kindergarten teacher and I were discussing our kids while at recess duty. My daughter went through kindergarten last year, and this teacher was shocked to find out that my daughter has epilepsy.  I was surprised by this for a couple of reasons.

First, the kindergarten teachers work very closely together. The teachers create lesson plans together and get to know the entire kindergarten team, not just their own classes. Last year, my daughter's teacher knew that she has epilepsy, but it turned out the rest of the kindergarten team wasn't aware. I found myself concerned that if my child had a seizure in the presence of one of these other teachers, that they would not be able to handle seizure protocol.

Absence Seizures Don't Look Like Seizures

My other concern involves my daughter's behavior in school. Absence seizures are often misdiagnosed as ADHD. Frequent staring spells can look like absent-mindedness or not paying attention. Should another teacher see my daughter staring off in the hallways, would she be disciplined rather than helped?

Should I Change my Approach With School Staff?

My interactions with this teacher made me reconsider my entire approach when it comes to my daughter's epilepsy and school. The nurse reassures me every year that the necessary adults with be made aware of her medical needs and seizure protocol. Perhaps that doesn't include the entire team of teachers in her grade.

It would comfort me to know that all of the teachers in her grade were aware of her medical needs. They need to know for field trips, recess duty, and even for times when the classes switch around to other classrooms.

I need to develop a plan to provide information to all of the teachers she interacts with daily, and even those she doesn't.

If all goes as planned, next year we will be trying to wean her off of her seizure medication to see if her seizures return. It will be especially crucial for teachers to be able to let us know if they see anything that resembles an absence seizure.

So, it looks like I will be working on a plan to provide information and materials to the second-grade team. Luckily for me, my friend Vikki has written a book with tons of resources for parents when dealing with schools and epilepsy. 

What kinds of conversations have you had with school staff regarding your child's epilepsy? 

-Abby, Guest Blogger

Epilepsy and your Child's Education

UNITED STATES Info

Having a school-aged child with epilepsy is scary for a parent. When my daughter first started pre-school, I was nervous that her teachers wouldn't know how to help her if she started to have a seizure.

 I am THAT mom who annoyingly over-communicates with my kids' teachers. I am sure it's frustrating for the teachers, but it provides me peace of mind knowing that I've given her teacher as much info as possible on her seizure care.

 I am fortunate that I have a background in education. I know first hand what teachers and school nurses do to organize the medical information for their students. Most schools have an entirely digital system and a student's medical information is available to teachers with a click of a button. For schools that haven't gone paperless with student information, you may find yourself providing your child's teachers with paper copies of the seizure action plan and other important seizure protocol information. 

Personally, the biggest help to alleviate my anxiousness over my daughter's epilepsy was getting a solid understanding of what to do and how to react in the event of a seizure. Likewise, I like to make sure my daughter's teacher also knows exactly what to do if she has a seizure in school.  

As a parent, you are empowered when it comes to dealing with the school district and your child's epilepsy. Be the squeaky wheel and get the administration and school staff to listen to you and your child's needs. Luckily for us, we have federal law on our side when it comes to our kids' needs and their education. 

Depending on their circumstances, your child with epilepsy may be eligible for school services under an IEP Plan (Individualized Educational Plan) or a 504 plan.

Both plans are similar but more than likely if your child needs services for epilepsy, it will fall under a 504 plan.

IEP Plans: 

IEP plans are subject to IDEA or the Individual with Disabilities Educational Act. To be eligible for an IEP plan, a student must have at least one of 13 named disorders. Epilepsy falls under the category of "Other Health Impairments" under IDEA.  For your child to be eligible for services under an IEP in school, your child's epilepsy must affect the student's ability to learn and benefit from the general education environment. The evaluation process for an IEP must be able to document that epilepsy directly impacts the student's ability to learn. 

504 Plan: 

504 plans are subject to section 405 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Rehabilitation Act is a Civil Rights law that guarantees students won't be discriminated against for their disability. 504 has a much broader definition of what is eligible for services in school. The evaluation committee at your child's school can offer a 504 plan for a student if their medical condition or disability disrupts their daily activities in any way. The planning process for a 504 plan is much less formal than that for an IEP plan.

One of the advantages of the 504 plan is that you have civil rights legislation on your side. If you feel that your child's 504 rights are being violated, all it takes is one call to your local Office of Civil Liberties and your school district will straighten right up. 

Examples of situations where a student with epilepsy may benefit from a 504 plan: 

• Your student has a seizure during a test: A 504 plan would allow them to retake the test. 
• Your student's medications affect their ability to concentrate: They may be allowed extra time to complete assignments and tests. 
• Your student frequently arrives at school tardy. Your child often has to sleep later to avoid seizures upon waking. Under a 504 plan, they would be allowed to come late to school without being penalized by the school. 
• Your child frequently leaves the classroom to take medications or have "brain breaks." Under a 504 plan, your child would be allowed to do this without penalty. 
• Every teacher would be given training on epilepsy protocol in the event your child has a seizure. A 504 plan can even require that your child's substitute teachers are provided written instructions on seizure care and a list of staff names and numbers involved in your student's seizure care. 

Protecting Your Child 

School districts have an obligation to protect your child, but sometimes you have to demand those services. 

As parents, we are our children's biggest advocates. If you think that your child's education is affected by their epilepsy, you have the right to request an evaluation by the school for accommodations to ensure their academic and medical needs get satisfied.

Many times, teachers and school staff may not be aware of the extent to which seizures and anti-epileptic drugs can affect a student's education. 

For more information on approaching the school district about your child's epilepsy, check out Vikki's book, Seizure Information for Schools and Teachers. 

Sources: 

ADAAA & Section 504. (n.d.). Retrieved January 1, 2020, from https://www.ncld.org/get-involved/learn-the-law/adaaa-section-504/.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (n.d.). Retrieved January 1, 2020, from https://sites.ed.gov/idea/.