As you get ready to send your child back to school, the American Lung Association recommends the following steps be taken to ensure your child has a good transition back into school.

• Schedule an asthma check-up: Make sure that no changes need to be made to your child’s asthma action plan and review any activity restrictions for the coming year.
• Confirm medications: Make sure that you understand all your child’s medications, how they will be stored at school, and fill out any paperwork needed. Find out if your school allows students to carry and independently take their asthma medication. Complete the appropriate steps if your child carry and use an inhaler when recommended by a doctor.
• Meet with your child’s school: Make sure that you meet with your child’s school nurse, teachers, and the principal if needed. Provide the school with an updated asthma action plan and make sure the school understands the action plan. Make sure you discuss any specific triggers and your child’s usual symptoms.
• Develop an emergency plan: Make sure your child’s school knows how to find you in case of an emergency and make sure there is some alternative contact. Ask about the school’s past history in dealing with asthma episodes and what they have done to get better. Make sure that other school personnel such as after-school coaches and bus drivers are trained to respond to asthma emergencies.

Have we left anything out? Do you have any other recommendations for an easier transition back to school?

_Sources:

_{American Lung Association. Lung Association Urges Back-to-School Asthma Checklist}

=======================