School reintegration for children and adolescents with cancer: The role of school psychologists

Abstract

As a result of advancements in medical expertise and technology, children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer now have opportunities to participate in many typical activities, including school. To some extent, school reintegration reflects positive adjustment to their illness. Nevertheless, children and adolescents with cancer may experience consequences that result in problems with school functioning and performance, along with other psychosocial difficulties. Accordingly, school personnel may not be equipped to appropriately intervene with this unique population of students. One means of offsetting such consequences, and thus facilitating successful school reintegration, is consultation between children or adolescents, parents and/or caregivers, school personnel, and health professionals. The eco‐triadic model of educational consultation may be useful as a means of providing indirect and direct services to children and adolescents with cancer. This article provides a description of the model, describes the model's application to school psychologists' work with this unique population of children, provides checklists to help guide school psychologists' intervention throughout the school reintegration process, and highlights implications for school psychology practice. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Students with Pediatric Cancer: A Prescription for School Success

“…Call the multidisciplinary team together to determine the student's academic, medical, social and emotional needs and determine if a full evaluation is needed (Harris, 2009). If the hospital conducted neuropsychological, physical, and occupational evaluations, the psychologist can request, with parent permission, the records for the team to review (Katz & Madan-Swain, 2006).…”

“…3. Help school personnel, teachers, and classmates understand their roles in supporting the child, family, and siblings (Harris, 2009;Kaffenberger, 2006).…”

“…Contact parents as soon as possible after learning of a student's diagnosis (Harris, 2009;Kaffenberger, 2006). 2.…”

“…Given that children with cancer often experience problems related to school functioning as well as educational development and performance, the school psychologist's role is crucial. Adhering to the eco-triadic model of consultation designed specifically for children with cancer (Shields, Heron, Rubenstein, & Katz, 1995), school psychologists can examine the interplay between home, hospital, and school settings for the child in order to facilitate the child's successful transition back into the school setting (Harris, 2009). …”

“…2. Serve as a liaison between the hospital and school to analyze child's current level of functioning within eco-triadic model of home, hospital, and school settings (Harris, 2009). 3.…”