Supporting and Accommodating Students with Special Health Care Needs

Schools are increasingly responding to the impact and prevalence of special health care needs among children and youth, particularly with COVID-19. This book provides strategies for supporting students with health care needs throughout their education, including referral, family engagement, report writing, IEP design, and implementation. It also helps educators develop legally defensible IEPs for all students, particularly those with a known or suspected history of health care needs. The book provides a clear description of the impact of adversity and health-care needs on student functioning, describes how symptoms of health-care needs map onto existing disability categories within IDEA, applies a supportive approach to family engagement, assessment, and report writing, and takes a different approach to PLAAFPs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Schools are taking significant steps to address the growing impact and prevalence of special health care needs among children and youth. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the urgent need for educators to plan for working with students with health needs. Many of these students qualify for special education and related services, requiring tailored programming to meet their unique requirements. It is essential for school teams and special education personnel to continually ensure that goals and services within an Individualized Education Program (IEP) consider the individual circumstances and impact on functioning.

This book aims to provide valuable strategies and guidance for supporting students with health care needs throughout their education. It covers key topics such as referral, family engagement, report writing, IEP design, and implementation. By applying a health-care needs approach, school teams can develop IEPs that are legally defensible and tailored to the individual needs of students, particularly those with a known or suspected history of health care needs.

The book begins by providing a clear understanding of the impact of adversity and health-care needs on student functioning, particularly for students with disabilities. It explains how symptoms of health-care needs align with existing disability categories within the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The book then offers a supportive approach to family engagement, assessment, and report writing, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and communication. It also takes a different approach to Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs), focusing on skill development and behavior management rather than solely punitive measures.

Establishing goals that are legally defensible and written in light of the child's circumstances is another critical aspect of the book. It encourages educators to view behavioral concerns as a skill deficit rather than a performance deficit, emphasizing the importance of providing appropriate support and interventions to help students achieve their academic and social goals.

Throughout the book, real-world examples and case studies are used to illustrate the practical application of the strategies discussed. Educators. Additionally, the book includes resources and references for further reading, providing educators with a comprehensive toolkit to assist them in supporting students with health care needs.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for educators looking to improve their understanding and skills in working with students with health care needs. By applying a health-care needs approach, school teams can create inclusive learning environments that support the academic, social, and emotional well-being of all students. It is essential to recognize the unique challenges faced by these students and to provide the necessary support and interventions to help them succeed.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 239 x 158 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538170052