From one pound to kindergarten!
Kai, a Children’s Miracle Network Miracle Child, is ready to take on the school year! Born at Penn State Children’s Hospital at just one pound, he’s starting kindergarten this week. That’s the #GifofGrowingUp! As excited as our Miracle Families are to send their kids off to school, many face additional concerns. Some parents anonymously shared their anxieties.
“School brings lots of tears because he isn’t “on par” with the majority of the classmates. And he has started to notice and feels badly.”
“What if she takes a snack from another kiddo that she can’t eat with her throat issues?!”
“Will he be able to communicate with others? Will he wear his fm system to hear and be responsible for that and his iPad with his speech app? If he is bullied during the day, will he be able to convey that to me? Will he get on the right bus or van and get off at the right school building?”
“We’ve struggled with missing school due to illness and hospitalizations.”
“It feels like with each school year we start over and have to find our rhythm again.”
Many parents also expressed worry about IEP (Individualized Education Program) and making sure educators are all on the same page.
So if you know a Miracle Parent, offer a high-five or send extra positive vibes.
Did you know that there are also teachers at Penn State Children’s Hospital so kids who are hospitalized can continue their studies? In this video, meet teacher Kimberly Matthews. She is a former Miracle Child and can relate to her patients in a unique way. “It’s a blessing every day to be here and to work with kids who are just awesome in spite of their situation,” says Kim. Wishing all kids a healthy and safe school year!