Schools and Seizure Preparedness

 

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teacher calling on students with raised hands teaching school preparedness and seizures

 

Seizures and epilepsy are one of the most common neurological problems affecting children and youth. There are 470,000 children living with epilepsy in the U.S. That means in a school of 1,000 students, at least 6 students would live with epilepsy. Since children spend so many of their waking hours in school settings, it’s critical that all school personnel at least know what epilepsy is, how to recognize seizures, and how to provide seizure first aid.

Children and youth with epilepsy may have

According to the CDC, on average 49% of lead health education teachers in secondary schools want professional development on epilepsy and seizures, yet only 18.2% received professional development. The Epilepsy Foundation is committed to helping students with seizures and epilepsy get the help they need to succeed in school and have a safe and supportive school environment. Here you will find information and resources about advocacy, training, and education efforts that may help to make your school a safer place for students and personnel with epilepsy.

Training for School Personnel is designed for people who work with children and youth in school settings. This program provides an overview of seizures and epilepsy, seizure first aid, seizure action plans, rescue therapies, seizure emergencies and how to support students in school settings. This course is appropriate for school nurses, teachers, aides, coaches, administrators and anyone who works in a school setting.

See the Seizure Training for School Personnel course page for more information.

  1. On-Demand Training Available (most popular)
    • Available 24/7. Take at your convenience.
    • Length - 60 minutes
    • Certificate available upon completion of the program 
    • Continuing education credits available for certified health educators (CHES/MCHES)
  2. In-person and/or Live Webinars are available from your local Epilepsy Foundation.

Find Your Local Epilepsy Foundation

The Seizure Training for School Nurses is designed for people who work with children and youth in school settings. This program provides an overview of seizures and epilepsy, seizure first aid, seizure action plans, rescue therapies, seizure emergencies and how to support students in school settings.  

See the Seizure Training for School Nurses: Caring for Students course page for more information.

  1. On-Demand (online) course (most popular)
    • Available 24/7. Take at your convenience!
    • Length - 2.75 hours
    • Certificate available upon completion of the program
    • Continuing nursing education credits available
  2. In-person and/or Live Webinars are available from your local Epilepsy Foundation.

Find Your Local Epilepsy Foundation

Many states are passing legislation to ensure that school personnel have appropriate training and policies to support students living with epilepsy and seizures.

The Epilepsy Foundation has a model bill that covers these issues:

  • The legislation makes certain that school personnel, including nurses, teachers, and volunteers, are not only prepared but can recognize and respond appropriately and efficiently to a student during a seizure.
  • The legislation mandates that a student's Seizure Action Plan is made part of the student's file and made available to school personnel and volunteers responsible for the student. 
  • Even more importantly, the legislation safeguards physician-directed care in the school setting, allowing students access to necessary and life-saving medication.
  • Lastly, by bringing awareness to the entire educational community, students with epilepsy and seizures can feel safe in school, reach their full academic potential, and build meaningful friendships without fear of being stigmatized.

Learn about seizure safe schools in advocacy and how to help in your community.

Authored By:

Patty Obsorne Shafer RN, MN

on Wednesday, September 04, 2019

Reviewed By:

LaQueisa Haynes-Smith MS, MCHES

on Thursday, September 02, 2021

Resources

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options.

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Epilepsy Medication

Find in-depth information on anti-seizure medications so you know what to ask your doctor.

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Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline

Call our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline and talk with an epilepsy information specialist or submit a question online.

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Tools & Resources

Get information, tips, and more to help you manage your epilepsy.

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Find an Epilepsy Specialist

Ready for help? Find an Epilepsy specialist who can help guide you through your epilepsy journey.