Thornton Township

ASTHMA IN SCHOOLS

As part of Thornton Township High Schools District 205’s Asthma Management Program, you and your child will work closely with your child’s pediatrician and the school nurse to learn how to follow your child’s individualized Asthma Action Plan, recognize and reduce asthma symptoms, and reduce and/or prevent asthma attacks.

In order to provide the best possible asthma management for your child at school, we ask for your help with the following. Please:

• Get a written Asthma Action Plan from your child's doctor or other health care provider, and give a copy to your respective school’s school nurse. This asthma action plan states your child's treatment goals, medications and peak flow plan, and steps to reduce your child's asthma triggers. Please be sure the Asthma Action Plan includes instructions for managing symptoms during special activities at school and away from school. Activities and events can include gym, outdoor play, field trips, parties, and art and music class. You may use the enclosed form or a form from your child's health care provider. If your child does not have a primary care provider, please talk with our school nurses to work out a plan to support your child's asthma needs.
• According to Illinois law, schools must also allow students to self-administer asthma medication, at school or during school-sponsored activities away from school, so long as the parent provided (1) written authorization, and (2) a prescription label with the name of the medication, the prescribed dosage and the time or circumstances under which the medication is to be administered.
• The Medication Authorization form should be submitted to the school nurse. Please bring in medications in original containers with pharmacy labels; do not send medication in with your child. Keep medications refilled as needed and check for expiration dates that may occur during the school year. If your child carries his or her own medication, you are welcome to leave a second inhaler in the school nurses’ office.
• Meet with the school nurse—before school starts and as needed through the school year—to discuss your child's condition, medications, devices, and asthma triggers.
• Meet with teachers and other staff to develop a plan for communication and handling any work or tests your child might miss during school absences due to asthma. Also meet with physical education teachers and coaches to discuss any special needs related to exercised-induced asthma.
• Prepare your child. Be sure your child understands his or her medication plan and how to handle symptoms, triggers, and food restrictions. Discuss school policies that relate to your child's asthma management (such as rules about medication use).
• Tell school staff about any changes in your child's condition or asthma action plan.
• Tell your child's doctor or other health care provider about school services and supports for helping your child manage his or her asthma.
• Please note that medication orders, such as inhalers and nebulizer treatments, must be renewed at the beginning of each school year. Parents/guardians must also provide the school with all equipment needed to care for their child’s health needs while at school.

Our asthma management program also includes the following components, which will help support your child's asthma control while at school:

• An Illinois Asthma Episode Emergency Response Protocol.

• Asthma training for all school staff so they are prepared to follow students' asthma action plans, to identify asthma symptoms and warning signs of asthma attacks, and to handle emergencies related to asthma.
• A supportive environment that encourages respect for others.

Thank you for working with us to help your child. If you have questions or concerns about keeping your child's asthma well controlled while at school, please contact your respective school nurse’s office.