Admittedly, I don’t have a child with Epilepsy, so my ‘back to school’ challenges are a bit different than many. Still, I certainly share some of the unique obstacles faced by parents of kids with Epilepsy.

Last year was Hayden’s first year of ‘real school’, if you are like me and call Pre-Kindergarten just that; 5-days-a-week, 3 hours each day. I made a promise to myself and to my husband that I would be very frank and honest with the teachers and the school administrators about our situation. After all, I’m not the Mom in the drop-off and pick-up line at school twice-a-day, and my ability to get to school for volunteer opportunities, parent organization meetings, even trips to the nurse’s office is a bit limited. So, the first week of school, once I met her teachers, I sent them a letter via email. I reiterated how excited we were for the school year and I was very up front about my Epilepsy and how our family functions each day. I gave the teachers information on just who would drop off and pick up Hayden each day, and I also explained to them that even though Epilepsy and seizures were a big part of Hayden’s life and she was very used to reacting, there may be a couple of days following ‘one of Mommy’s terrible incidents’ that she comes to school a bit rattled.

I also gave them links to great Epilepsy resources so they could take it upon themselves (if they chose), to learn more about Epilepsy and how children deal with this. The response I received from her teachers was wonderful and I believe I had them on my team this last school year in terms of living life with Epilepsy.

Will I have the same connection this year? I don’t know, but I will certainly try. Don’t get me wrong, there was a time or two when I was offended or hurt by comments or indirect reaction to our life. One example…I rode to school for pick-up with my Mom one late morning, when she volunteered to help. I was on my way inside when a teacher who was helping to get the kids in the proper cars saw me, turned to the Pre-Kindergarten group waiting anxiously for their rides, and said, “Hayden, your babysitter is here!”

“Babysitter?” Wonder how she made that assumption?! I held my composure, turned to her, stuck out my hand and introduced myself as my daughter’s mother.

Needless to say, I think the more information we give our educators, the better.

When it comes to sending your child with Epilepsy to school, you shouldn’t feel alone. There are many resources that can help. The Epilepsy Foundation has printable material and also provides you with the language to use when you speak to your child’s teacher. Contact your local affiliate if there is one close-by…they have great seizure-smart programs and will even go into the school to educate teachers, administrators and the kids on seizures and how to react.

Also, you will probably want the teachers to track your child’s seizures. It’s not too tough with printable logs from SiezureTracker.com, and it can only help in managing your child’s seizures. It’s a good idea to check with them once-a-week so you can make sure the logs are accurate and well-kept.

Talk, talk, talk. Seriously…communicate with the school about your child’s behavior and seizure activity. “If parents takes the lead, you’ll end up with better results,” according to Russell Derry, Director of Education for the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. “Be an advocate for your child, make sure you have a sound plan in terms of informing teachers, administrators, school nurses and even other students about your child’s seizure patterns.”