We know your child and family want to return to a sense of normalcy following treatment. However, as your resource and support for all things childhood head and neck cancers, our Pediatric Head & Neck Cancer Foundation team encourages you to exercise patience and give yourself some grace. There are better ways to “get back to normal” and to life after cancer than to plunge in headfirst. Returning to school is a key way for your child to move forward from cancer, but by following the steps below, you can support the smoothest transition for all involved.

Enlist your child’s care team.

Insights from your child’s doctors and other medical professionals can be helpful when it comes to planning to get your child back in the classroom after an absence of several weeks if not months. They can advise on everything from the best time to return to school, how to talk to the school about your child’s diagnosis and treatment, and any other steps to ensure the healthiest transition. As available, enlist the expertise of an education coordinator or school reintegration specialist who can advocate on behalf of your child and act as a liaison/point person with the school.

Getting your child ready

Find out how your child feels about returning to school. See if and when they may be ready and how comfortable they feel with going back. Encourage them to share any fears or anxiety they may have about returning after so much has happened in their young life. You may be able to incorporate home learning as part of the transitional process. A plan of action to get your child back up to speed may include the federally mandated Section 504 Plan and Individualized Education Plan. Your school will have more information about specific next steps and courses of action to ensure your child doesn’t fall behind while balancing a healthy return to school that respects and acknowledges the physical and emotional challenges your child has recently navigated.

Lean into school resources.

Other specific steps that require coordination with school staff and specialized professionals include:

  • Working with the school to determine their near-term and long-term plans for your child’s successful return and transition back into academic life
  • Make sure the school holds regular check-ins to evaluate your child’s academic progress and make any necessary adjustments in a timely manner.
  • Setting aside a time to speak with the school staff and classmates before your child returns
  • Being prepared to answer any questions that staff may have, and specific queries from other kids about why your child was gone, and may need extra support in the classroom
  • Requesting a school-based liaison to ensure nothing falls through the cracks and that all information is shared among the family, school, and medical team