RESUMO
Being attentive to the educational needs of chronically ill children is a relatively recent development in American education. Advances in medical sciences that have improved survival rates for some conditions and increased public acceptance of people who are different or disabled and legislation that has established education as an entitlement for all children have allowed for the entrance of many chronically ill children into mainstream education. Successful school reentry is essential if the child is to develop normally, in terms of intellect, social skills, and peer relationships. Caregivers must not lose sight of the fact that school provides opportunities for social, emotional, and cognitive development. Thus the pediatric nurse practitioner can promote the benefits gained from schooling in numerous ways and provide the child, family, and school personnel with the support and information needed for a smooth transition back into the school system.
