Educator overview video:
Seizure First Aid video:
At School
Most children with epilepsy attend school and can participate in all activities. Some may need to take medicine at school, help with certain subjects, or extra time on tests. They may sometimes have seizures at school. With more than 300,000 school-age children who have epilepsy in the United States, none of this is that unusual. Yet there’s a good chance that many of your child’s teachers and classmates won’t know much about epilepsy. Educating them is one of the most important things you can do to help your child at school.
Teach Your School About Epilepsy and Seizures
Start each school year by scheduling a meeting with your child’s teacher. Discuss your child’s condition, any learning issues and how to respond if your child has a seizure. Ask if there are others at the school you should talk to or give information to, such as gym teachers, school nurses, the librarian, etc. Keep in touch with them through the school year about your child’s progress, changes in medication and any related issues.
Ask your teacher to discuss epilepsy with the class in a way that is appropriate for the age level and that would be comfortable for your child. Having a seizure at school can be embarrassing for a child and frightening for others. It is better if the teacher discussed it with the students beforehand. Talking to students about epilepsy can help prevent teasing and correct some of the inaccuracies children may have heard. Offer to provide books and other materials the teacher can use. Review the Get Involved section of this website for ideas.
Make sure that all adults who supervise your child during the school day know what to do if your child has a seizure. Don’t forget about school bus drivers, lunchroom supervisors, student teachers, etc. Ask officials to post “seizure management” first aid tips in visible locations around the school.
Articles
ACCOMMODATING STUDENTS WITH EPILEPSY OR SEIZURE DISORDERS: EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR TEACHERS
Book
Good Forms For Schools
Questionaires to help parents and schools address the needs of and provide a supportive learning environment for a child with seizures
Building Momentum in Schools 