Keeping Up With School During Cancer Treatment
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, school can feel like the last thing that matters. But keeping a connection to learning gives children routine, a sense of normal life, and a smoother path back to class. As the American Cancer Society puts it, "Even one hour of school a day can help create routine and a sense of normal life."
Ways students keep learning during treatment
Hospital school. Many treatment centers have teachers, school coordinators, or education specialists for students during long stays.
Homebound instruction. The school district arranges a teacher to work with the student at home when they can't attend school.
Part-time attendance. Depending on the treatment schedule, some students can attend school on some days or for part of the day.
A combination. Many students move between these as treatment changes.
If there's no teacher on the care team, a social worker or nurse can usually help connect the family with the school.
Planning around infection risk and energy
Some cancer treatments lower the body's ability to fight infection, and fatigue, nausea, and pain can come and go. Ask the care team when your child should avoid crowds or limit visitors, and plan instruction around that:
Schedule sessions for times of day when your child usually has the most energy.
Ask any in-home teacher about their illness and hand hygiene practices, and to reschedule if they're sick.
Use virtual sessions for periods when the care team advises limiting visitors, then return to in-person sessions.
Give the school a list of warning signs and emergency contacts.
See in-person vs. virtual homebound instruction for how families and districts choose a format.
504 plans and IEPs
A 504 plan protects students with disabilities and provides accommodations such as extra time, breaks, technology, a quiet testing area, and deadline extensions. An IEP, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, adds specialized instruction and learning goals for students who need more support. Ask the school team which fits. See delivering IEP services during homebound instruction.
Planning the return to school
Talk with the care team early about timing and the length of the school day.
Expect a gradual return. It might take a few weeks or a month to have the energy for a full day.
Meet with the principal, teachers, nurse, and counselor before the first day back.
Ask whether the hospital offers a school re-entry program.
Help your child prepare simple answers for classmates' questions.
Source: Keeping Up With Schoolwork, American Cancer Society. See also returning to school after a hospital stay.
Frequently asked questions
Can a child with cancer get homebound instruction?
Yes. When treatment or recovery keeps a student out of school long enough to meet their state's requirements, the school district can arrange homebound or hospital instruction. Many students combine home instruction, hospital school, and part-time attendance as treatment allows.
Should my child have a 504 plan or an IEP during cancer treatment?
A 504 plan provides accommodations such as extra time, breaks, and deadline extensions, and may be enough if the student can do the work with some help. An IEP may be better if the student needs more support, such as specialized instruction or different goals.
How long does it take to return to a full school day after treatment?
It varies. The American Cancer Society notes it might take a few weeks or a month to have the energy for a full day of classes, so many students return gradually.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your child's doctor and care team.
How Einstein Tutoring can help
Our teachers work with students during cancer treatment at home and in the hospital, scheduling around treatment and energy. Einstein Tutoring provides in-person homebound and hospital instruction by certified teachers, with virtual options when they fit better, working with school districts, hospitals, and families. Learn about our home and hospital instruction services, read homebound instruction rules by state, or call (617) 600-5944.
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