SICK OR INJURED CHILDREN OFTEN EXPERIENCE disruptions in their education. These can range from a few missed lessons to long-term absences caused by repeated hospitalizations or side effects from medication.

Returning to school might be a relief or a major challenge if your child has been in the hospital for a long time. For many children, going back to school signals a return to normal life. Other children, especially teens, may dread returning to school because of changes in appearance or concerns that prolonged absences may have changed their social standing with their friends.

Most of the information in this chapter deals with schooling for children with a long-term illness or repeated hospitalizations. Educating these children can become complicated, but usually can be managed successfully through planning and good communication.