How Do I Prepare My Child for School with a Cleft?
Starting school is a big step. Here is how to help your child with a cleft prepare.
School preparation involves working with the school and supporting your child.
- Before school starts:
- Meet with the teacher and principal to discuss your child's needs
- Write a brief letter explaining the cleft (what it is, surgeries, any ongoing needs)
- Discuss speech therapy services if needed
- Discuss any hearing or vision concerns
- Share tips on how to answer questions from other students
- What the school may need to know:
- Any speech therapy sessions scheduled during school
- Hearing needs (seating near the front)
- Any upcoming surgeries and recovery time
- Medications (if any)
- Supporting your child:
- Practice answering questions from classmates ("I was born this way and my doctors fixed it")
- Role-play handling teasing or staring
- Read books about children with differences
- Build confidence at home
- When to get involved:
- If your child reports teasing or bullying
- If they do not want to go to school
- If academic performance is affected (speech or hearing may be factors)
Clinical Guidance
Preparing the school and your child for kindergarten sets the stage for a positive experience. Meet with teachers, discuss any needed services, and prepare your child for questions from classmates.