School Transitions for People With CF and Their Families

As children with cystic fibrosis transition toward greater independence at school and at home, they will also take greater responsibility in managing their disease.

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Summary
  • For children with cystic fibrosis, the first day of elementary, middle, and high school not only marks the transition toward greater independence, but also greater responsibility in managing their disease.
  • To help guide you and your child through these transitions, people with CF and their families share their experiences and advice.

Living With CF: From Day Care to High School 

For children with cystic fibrosis, the first day of elementary, middle, and high school not only marks the transition toward greater independence, but also greater responsibility in managing their disease.

To help guide you and your child through these transitions, people with CF and their families share experiences and advice on what to expect and how they've adjusted to challenges of growing up with CF.

The "School Transitions for People with CF and Their Families" segments in our "Pathways to Lifelong Health" video series also include perspectives from CF care team members and school personnel. Topics discussed include starting day care, partnering with your child's school, managing treatments with after-school activities, school transitions, learning independence, and transitioning from pediatric to adult care.

An Introduction to Living With CF 

An introduction to the video series on school transitions, from day care all the way through high school. 

Going to Day Care 

Four families share their experiences about sending their child to day care and talk about germs, infection prevention, and educating day care staff. 

Partnering With Your School 

Families, school faculty, and care team members talk about partnering with school staff to accommodate the specific needs of students with CF, including 504 plans. 

Activities 

A discussion on balancing treatments with after-school and summer activities, with perspectives from families and CF care providers. 

School Transitions 

Learn about how to manage school transitions, including transitioning from elementary to middle and middle to high school, how to handle treatment at school, and school work while in the hospital. 

Friendship and Learning Independence 

A discussion on the importance of being open and honest with friends about CF, moving toward greater independence, and dividing up responsibilities of care. 

Transition From Pediatric to Adult Care 

Families and social workers talk about managing the transition from pediatric to adult care and the importance of asking questions. 

Celebrate Your Child's Transitions 

Guidance for parents on when to step back as their child learns how to live an active life with school and CF. 

Hope for the Future of CF 

A message from Robert J. Beall, PhD, former president and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, on how the journey of living with CF continues to evolve, now marked by transitions into adulthood.
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Topics
Caring for a Child With CF | School
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