Preparing for School

There is a lot to do before your child starts school. You might need to shop for supplies, get new school clothes or organize a carpool.

Well, there’s one more important thing you should add to the list: Talking to you child’s school about CF. You can work with teachers and faculty to make CF a little easier for your child to handle at school.

You should know that your child is entitled to Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE), and that there are two ways to ensure that they get it. One way is to look at your options under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the other is through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The IDEA and a 504 plan are two different things. A 504 plan can help your child gain accommodations for CF that will help them at school. An IDEA can do the same things as a 504 plan, but it also allows for special education classes.

Find out more about IEPs and 504 plans by checking them out online.

Reach out to school faculty before the start of each new school year to make sure plans are up-to-date. Include your child in these meetings so they can learn how to talk to adults about CF and their needs.

You can find out more about CF at school from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). If you're having a hard time coordinating with your child's school or understanding your rights, you can also reach out to the CFF Legal Hotline.