Develop an individualized care plan.

An individualized care plan is a written document that can be tailored to the specific healthcare needs of a student with SCD. An individualized care plan requires input from the teacher, school nurse, the child, and the family. Plans should include emergency contact information, any special needs the student may have, and instructions for giving pain medication, including who is responsible for giving the medicine and how to decide which medication to give. Review the school district’s policy statement about school staff giving medications. Update care plans with the school nurse at least yearly, or whenever your child’s healthcare needs change. If the school does not have a nurse on staff, often the school secretary or counselor may be responsible for coordinating an individualized care plan.