Information for School Professionals
Cognitive rest may very well be the cornerstone of recovery from concussion. Implementing a plan for return to school is paramount in setting the tone for recovery. Prior to starting any athletic activity, a student – athlete must be symptom free at rest and with cognitive exertion.
This information from the CDC gives some important things for school administrators to look for, as their observations of a student’s behavior and performance are invaluable to the recovery process.
Returning to School After Concussion
In North Carolina, the Department of Public Instruction has created a policy to better delineate responsibility among educators / administrators to assist students recovering from concussion.
The TBI – Return to Learn Policy has been created to assist LEAs and Charters in the development of a plan that address the needs of student’s preschool through twelfth grade suffering concussions. The plan must include:
- guidelines for removal of a student from physical and mental activity when there is suspicion of concussion;
- a notification procedure to education staff regarding removal from learn or play;
- expectations regarding annual medical care update from parents, medical care plan/school accommodations in the event of concussion; and
- delineation of requirements for safe return-to-learn or play following concussion.