Back to School with Epilepsy: Ask the Neurologist
Watch pediatric neurologist Dr. Rachel Penn answer common questions about helping children living with epilepsy stay safe, supported, and prepared for school.
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Preparing for School with Epilepsy
Families often have practical questions about seizure planning, communication with school staff, and rescue medication. This on-demand webinar addresses the issues that commonly come up when students living with epilepsy return to school.
Seizure Action Plans
Why a child may need one, what it communicates, and how it can help school staff respond appropriately.
Teachers and School Staff
How families can help teachers, nurses, and other school staff understand how to support a child living with epilepsy.
Rescue Medication
Questions families may have about how rescue medication for prolonged seizures is handled and administered at school.
Family Questions
Hear Dr. Penn respond to questions about school planning, accommodations, safety, autism, and possible seizure activity.
Featured Speaker
Dr. Rachel Penn
Board-Certified Pediatric Neurologist Specializing in Epilepsy
Dr. Penn will share practical guidance for families preparing for the school year, including Seizure Action Plans, communication with school staff, rescue medication, and questions that may arise when a child living with epilepsy is at school.
Presented by Epilepsy Services of New Jersey.
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The full conversation is available free on YouTube and can be viewed at any time.
Common Questions
Back to School with Epilepsy Webinar FAQs
What should a Seizure Action Plan for school include?
A Seizure Action Plan should describe the student’s usual seizure pattern, possible triggers, first aid instructions, rescue medication, emergency contacts, and when school personnel should call 911. The plan should be individualized with the child’s neurologist or healthcare provider.
How often should a child’s Seizure Action Plan be updated?
Dr. Penn recommends reviewing the plan with the child’s neurologist at least once a year and whenever seizure patterns, medications, triggers, activities, or emergency instructions change.
Does a child with epilepsy need rescue medication at school?
Many children with epilepsy have prescribed rescue medication available at school for prolonged seizures or seizure clusters. Families should confirm the medication, dose, administration instructions, storage, required forms, and emergency protocol with the child’s healthcare provider and school nurse.
When should a school call 911 for a seizure?
The child’s individualized Seizure Action Plan should guide the response. Situations discussed in the webinar include a seizure lasting beyond the child’s prescribed emergency threshold, repeated seizures without recovery, injury, breathing or color changes, a seizure in water, or a first known seizure.
Can a student with epilepsy participate in gym, sports, and recess?
Many students can participate in common school activities, although recommendations depend on seizure type, frequency, control, warning signs, and the risks associated with a particular activity. Families should discuss individualized restrictions and supervision with the child’s healthcare provider and school.
What precautions should schools take for swimming and field trips?
Swimming requires direct supervision by someone prepared to recognize and respond to the student’s seizures. Field-trip planning should address the Seizure Action Plan, rescue and daily medication, trained supervision, transportation, communication, and what to do if emergency care is needed away from school.
Should a student with epilepsy have a 504 Plan or IEP?
A 504 Plan may provide accommodations such as rest breaks, extended testing time, medication access, and excused absences. An IEP addresses specialized instruction when a student has qualifying educational needs. Families should discuss the appropriate plan with the school team and the child’s healthcare providers.
What seizure signs might teachers notice in the classroom?
Some seizures are subtle and may appear as repeated staring, behavioral pauses, eyelid fluttering, unusual mouth movements, or recurring episodes of unresponsiveness. Teachers should document patterns and share concerns with the school nurse and family rather than trying to diagnose the behavior.
What is Paul’s Law in New Jersey?
Paul’s Law addresses the care of New Jersey students living with epilepsy and seizure disorders. It requires school districts to provide seizure recognition and response training to school personnel and to develop individualized emergency health care plans for students with epilepsy.
Who is this on-demand webinar for?
The webinar is intended for parents, caregivers, family members, teachers, school nurses, support staff, and others helping children living with epilepsy prepare for and participate safely in school.
Help Your Child Start the School Year Prepared
Whether your child is starting a new school, entering a new grade, or returning to familiar routines, this webinar offers practical information to help you prepare.
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