It’s the beginning of August, and most of you are getting your children ready to head back to school. Whether starting the school year or returning after a new diagnosis, going back to school can be an overwhelming time for students living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) as well as their parents and caregivers. JDRF has many tools and resources to help get everyone prepared for the start of the school year. Here are some things you can do:  

• Share this short video that explains life with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with your child’s teachers, coaches, and fellow students. 
• Offer the opportunity to your school nurse/staff/coaches to learn more with our T1D Training Series for School Nurses/Staff/Coaches
• Educate new teachers with these resources: What I want my teachers to know about T1D and How to Support your student with T1D
• Consider the need for a 504 Plan to ensure the entire Diabetes Care Team is on the same page. Learn more here and confirm that your child’s 504 is up to date for the new year. 
• Print and share these resources with your child’s school team:  
  • What you need to know about Hyperglycemia 
  • What you need to know about Hypoglycemia 
• Is your child on a pump or Continuous Glucose Monitor? Check out the websites for each device for training resources. 
• Receive updated doctor orders from your child’s endocrinologist and share with your child’s school nurse.  
• Help parents and caregivers get ready for the new school year with these resources: Back to School Checklist, Living Independently with T1D and Help your Teen Transition from Dependence to Independence  

Plan on joining us for these special Back to School virtual meet-ups as well:

August 9, 2022 at 6pm ET: Returning to School with Diabetes: A Virtual Town Hall 

Hear from experts in the field of diabetes on how to prepare for returning your child to the classroom this fall. Learn how diabetes management needs of students are met so your child is healthy, safe, and able to enjoy the same opportunities as their peers. Learn more about the legal protections, 504 plans, training, psychosocial aspects of living with diabetes, and much more! 

Sept 12th, 2022 at 5:30 ET: Join our Blue Crew (Grade School Meet Up) as we play games and meet some new friends and chat about the return to school with fellow T1D’s. Please register ahead of time: https://jdrf.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwuf-ugrjIvGd2WC-U6DA5GbY1yc3D8agpV

Sept 15th at 7pm ET: Nervous about going back to school? What if I beep all the time? What if kids ask me a million questions? This is the time to join our group and share your thoughts and concerns and set your goals to get through the school year. Join Megan and Kristi who will guide this group and help you feel more comfortable starting the school year! Open to grades 6-12. Please register ahead of time: https://jdrf.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pd-2qqzksE9zEha4Ib1NBDp6Fv09z_6uX

If you have any other questions about returning to school, please reach out to Katie Budelmann at kbudelmann@jdrf.org | 646-787-6638