Graphic reading "Managing chronic health issues at school" with illustrations of a boy with a cast on his arm in a sling and a girl wearing a scarf while coughing.

Managing Chronic Health Issues at School: for Families

Lincolnton Middle School

September 18, 2026

Does your child have a chronic health issue such as asthma, diabetes or allergies, or are they dealing with a developmental disability such as ADHD or autism? Families, caregivers, schools and health-care providers can work together to keep students healthy and attending school regularly.

What you can do at home

  • Build healthy habits! Eat healthy meals and snacks.

  • Get active every day—walk, play, move!

  • Stick to routines for sleep, schoolwork, and medications.

  • Talk with your child about how they are feeling at school. Can they talk with supportive adults, including the school nurse, who can help them manage their health conditions?

  • Attend annual check-ups. Update the health-care provider on challenges.

Working with your child’s school

  • At the start of each school year, make sure to complete all school health forms to help ensure the school is aware of your child’s health condition.

  • If your child has prolonged absences, work with your child’s teacher or school to co-create a Return to Learn plan for during and after the absence with options for gradual return and completing work remotely.

  • Your child may qualify for extra help through a 504 Plan (such as extra time on tests) or individualized education plan (IEP) if they need additional support for a disability. The school’s student support team (social worker, school nurse or an administrator) can help you get started.

  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to provide children with disabilities appropriate supports and services. If you think your child is in need of these supports and services, talk with the school team.

  • If your child participates in an after-school activity, work with your school to ensure that appropriate health supports are in place.

  • If you don’t have access to health services or health insurance, contact your school to see what resources might be available.

Partnering with the health-care provider

  • Health-care providers are available to answer your questions or concerns about your child’s health.

  • If your child’s chronic health issue is causing them to miss school, contact your child’s health-care provider.

  • Talk with your health-care provider and school staff about how to manage your child’s medications, including refills, dosing, distribution and storage. Complete appropriate forms.

  • Ask your health-care provider to develop a health plan specific to your child’s chronic health condition (i.e., asthma action plan, seizure action plan) to share with school.

  • Use your doctor’s knowledge to tell the school about your child’s health needs. This helps the school make the best educational plan and accommodations. Make sure to share the plan with your child’s health-care provider before finalizing it with the school.

Helpful resources