6.4: Individualized Health Plans and Emergency Planning

Health and emergencies

The PLAAFP (Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance) section of your child’s IEP should include key health and safety needs. This includes their Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP), seizure action plan, hydrocephalus symptom awareness plan, or emergency evacuation plan.

Make sure these plans are included in the body of the IEP or 504 plan, not just attached as separate documents. They do not offer legal protections unless they are written into the IEP.

Individualized Healthcare Plans

Every student with medical needs should have an Individualized Healthcare Plan. This outlines their medical conditions, daily medications, emergency procedures, seizure rescue medications, and other supports. If your child does not already have an IHP, the team should still create a basic emergency plan.

Emergency Evacuation Plans

Some students may need extra support during fire drills or emergencies. For example, they may:

Be sensitive to loud alarms or flashing lights
Have mobility challenges in crowded hallways
Need access to medications that could be forgotten during evacuation

The school team should work with you to plan for all possible scenarios.

Seizure First Aid Training

Teachers, aides, bus drivers, and other school staff must be trained in basic seizure first aid. In middle and high school, students can also benefit from learning how to support a peer who has seizures.

The Epilepsy Foundation offers free and low-cost programs, including:

Seizure First Aid Certification for school staff
Epilepsy and Seizure Safe Classroom Program for educators and students

These trainings help build safety, awareness, and inclusion for students with epilepsy and related conditions.

Other Medical Considerations

Each student’s medical needs will be unique. The school nurse and medical team can guide which plans are needed.

Common examples include:

Seizure Action Plan (SAP)
Homebound instruction after surgery or hospitalization
Emergency care plan for signs of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)
Headache management plan (including what medications to take and when)
Activity restrictions (such as no contact sports)

Prolonged Absences and Educational Rights

If your child misses school for medical reasons—like surgery, treatment, or recovery—they still have the right to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). The IEP or 504 Plan should clearly explain how your child will keep learning while they’re away from school.

Homebound or Hospital Instruction

Students who will be out for a significant period may qualify for instruction at home or in the hospital. This can be temporary (through general education) or part of an IEP (if your child qualifies for special education services). The plan should include how and when instruction will be delivered and by whom.

Educational Plans and Medical Absences

Your child may qualify for:

An IEP (Individualized Education Program), which includes learning goals, services, and supports tailored to your child’s needs.
A 504 Plan, which ensures your child can access school and receive accommodations (like flexible deadlines or online learning).

Medical absences must be excused if you provide a doctor’s letter or documentation. Schools cannot mark your child truant or penalize them for missing school due to a medical condition.

Parent Action Steps

If your child does not yet have an IEP or 504 Plan:

Submit a written request for a special education evaluation based on medical and developmental needs.
Ask the team to create a plan that includes homebound services, accommodations, and supports during and after the absence.
Keep in touch with the school team and nurse, and update them on your child’s health and recovery timeline.

Individualized Health Plans and Emergency Support

Even during extended absences, your child should still have an Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) or emergency plan that addresses how medical needs will be handled if they attend school part-time or transition back. These plans can include: