The most common chronic neurological condition in children is epilepsy. Because it often occurs in childhood, epilepsy is likely the most common neurological condition encountered by school professionals including teachers. Given the impact that epilepsy can have on academic functioning and specifically on the day-to-day performance of a student…

This study examined teachers' knowledge and support when working with students with terminal illness or having experienced a student death. One hundred and ninety teachers of students with physical or multiple disabilities responded to a 40 item questionnaire that was distributed nationally. Results indicated that teachers have greater knowledge…

Niemann-Pick Disease (NPD) is a group of rare inherited disorders that are both systemic and degenerative. Knowledge of the disease, its characteristics, and its progression are essential for the teacher and related service personnel to provide an appropriate educational experience for the student. For the teacher who has a student with NPC in…

Teachers need to maintain a safe, healthy environment for all their students in order to promote learning. However, there are additional considerations when students require health care procedures, such as tube feeding or clean intermittent catheterization. Teachers must effectively monitor their students and understand their roles and…

Although widely misunderstood, Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector borne disease in the United States. Children are the most at-risk group for Lyme disease, which can impact every system in the body. It can produce the musculo-skeletal, neurologic, psychiatric, opthalmologic, and cardiac symptoms. The symptoms of Lyme disease can have a…

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) has been involved in the development of standards for teachers of students with exceptional learning needs since 1922. These standards drive the curriculum of institutions of higher education and state licensing requirements. The Division for Physical and Health Disabilities assisted in developing…

A 44-item questionnaire consisting of teacher competency statements was completed by 54 educators of students with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Competencies rated as most important for educators working with students with TBI focused on instructional strategies, program planning, and collaboration with other specialists. Respondents rated the…

This article provides an overview of the educational implications of diabetes in children through discussion of the nature of diabetes, factors associated with educational performance, and the teacher's role in meeting the child's needs. It argues that teachers should treat these students as normal learners, without ignoring their unique needs or…

As more medically fragile and health-impaired students are included in the educational system, teachers are increasingly likely to confront the death of a student. This article identifies developmental levels of understanding death, factors which affect grieving, and symptoms of grief demonstrated by children and adults. Recommendations for…

A study identified major concerns of 23 hospitalized children (grades PreK-9) and their parents, including the interruption of the child's pace of academic study, his/her health condition and fears of medical treatment and therapy, his/her loneliness in the ward, and time management problems. Recommendations for hospital schoolteachers are…

A study of 147 school districts in Georgia examined the extent to which special health care procedures are performed in a school setting, the involvement of teachers performing special health care procedures, training and supervision issues, and the availability of written procedures. Results found teachers performed health care procedures more…

This article discusses the efforts of Virginia school divisions as they prepared for and received students with complex health care needs. Findings from four studies that interviewed early childhood special education teachers and occupational therapies are described. The need for team planning and the development of a Health Services Plan is…

This article discusses how special education teachers can serve as mentors to parents of children with physical and health disabilities. The benefits of mentoring to both the parent and the mentor are described. The stages that the relationship may go through and potential barriers are also addressed. (Author/CR)