You should notify the principal as soon as possible about your child’s diagnosis. It is a good idea to do this in writing (either by email or letter), in part because it is a less emotional way to convey the news, but also because it enables you to be certain you pass along all the relevant information. In the first contact, it is helpful to include the following information (see Chapter 18, School, for a sample letter):

• The diagnosis and a brief description in layman’s terms of what it means
• A very brief outline of what is expected to happen next and how that will impact your child’s ability to attend school
• The address, email address, and phone number where you can be reached
• A brief description of the educational resources available at the hospital or any other educational information you have been given by the hospital social worker or child life specialist and their contact information
• How your child’s teacher or classmates can reach your child, especially when your child is in the hospital

You can also express your hope that you, the school, and the hospital will work together to ensure that your child’s education sustains as few interruptions as possible. You can ask the principal to share your letter with the teacher (or teachers) or you can send them separate emails or notes.

When notifying students at the school, the wishes of your child (especially if a teenager) about notification of school and friends should be respected. If you and your child want to ask the teachers and students to stay in touch, inform them that she may sometimes feel too tired to answer right away. Personal visits may not be feasible or welcome, at least at first, but cards, letters, pictures, classroom videos, or other updates will make your child feel less isolated and will remind her that there are people who care for her outside of her immediate family and the hospital staff. In some schools it may be possible to attend school virtually—when it is feasible and the technology is available. More information is available in Chapter 18, School.