1. Epilepsy And The Classroom Susanne Finn Epilepsy Society of Southern NY

2. Objectives Advocating for your child in the classroom Psycho-social issues Communication between home and school Resources available to you!

3. Children and Epilepsy Over three million Americans of all ages are living with epilepsy 200,000 new cases are diagnosed each year 300,000 children under the age of 14 are currently affected by epilepsy

4. Available Resources: Trainings in seizure recognition and first aid are available for teachers and school staff Epilepsy Society of Southern NY Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group

5. During Teacher Trainings: Teachers are trained to: To recognize a seizure To provide the appropriate first aid To recognize an emergency To provide educational accommodations

6. Parent-School Communication Description of expected seizure pattern Consensus on response Written communication if seizure pattern or frequency is not as described by parent Documentation of observations

7. Parent-School Communication School Protocol Permission to share information with all school personnel in contact with your child Trainings can be provided to bus drivers, teacher aides, support staff, etc.

8. Teacher Response Make sure teacher is cognizant of anything related to learning or social issues Tutoring arranged for remediation Educate other students Stop bullying

9. Behavior Management Make teachers aware of possible causes of behavior changes Seizure activity at home Medication side effects Medication changes Provide discipline and guidance as with any student

10. Encourage Participation In All Activities Helps develop social skills Encourages independence Heightens self-esteem Think through the risks and benefits of each activity for each child

11. Epilepsy Society of Southern NY Susanne Finn Community Educator sfinn@essny.com (845) 627-0627 ext.148