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Seizures and epilepsy are one of the most common neurological problems affecting children and youth. Many children can have seizures – in fact, 1 out of 10 people worldwide will have a seizure in their lifetime. Epilepsy, or recurring seizures, develops in 1 in 26 people during their lifetime.
Since children spend so many of their waking hours in school settings, it’s critical that all school personnel at least know what epilepsy is, how to recognize seizures, and how to provide seizure first aid.
Epilepsy is more than just seizures.
Children and youth with epilepsy may have
- Problems with learning and school performance affected by seizures, the brain areas involved and side effects of medicines
- Greater risks of injuries, suicide, and early death
- More problems with attention deficit disorder, anxiety, and depression
- Social problems due to problems with social skills, isolation, mood, and behavior
- Problems feeling stigmatized and bullied by others
- And more
How We Can Help
The Epilepsy Foundation is committed to helping students with seizures and epilepsy get the help they need to succeed in school and have a safe and supportive school environment. Here you will find information and resources about advocacy, training, and education efforts that may help to make your school a safer place for students and personnel with epilepsy.
School Personnel Training
The Epilepsy Foundation offers training for all school personnel to understand the basics of seizures, epilepsy, and first aid; and be able to provide appropriate support.
Live Instructor-Led Training: Seizure Training for School Personnel
- Register: September 15, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. ET (90 Minute Training)
- Register: October 6, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. ET (90 Minute Training)
The Seizure Training for School Personnel is designed for people who work with children and youth in school settings. This program provides an overview of seizures and epilepsy, Seizure First Aid, seizure action plans, rescue therapies, seizure emergencies and how to support students in school settings.
Please note: Each person taking the training must pre-register.
Other Training Options
"Seizure Training for School Personnel"
- On-Demand Training Avaiable
- Length - 60 minutes
- Visit this link to complete a pre-test, view the training and complete the post test.
- A certificate of completion will be emailed after the post-test is done.
- In-person training available from your local Epilepsy Foundation office. Contact the nearest EF office for details and availability.
School Nurses
Live Instructor-Led Training: Seizure Training for School Nurses
- Register: September 24, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. ET (3 Hours)
- Register: October 15, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. ET (3 Hours)
The Seizure Training for School Nurses is designed for people who work with children and youth in school settings. This program provides an overview of seizures and epilepsy, seizure first aid, seizure action plans, rescue therapies, seizure emergencies and how to support students in school settings.
Please note: Each person taking the training must pre-register.
Other Training Options
"Managing Students with Seizures: The Importance of School Nurses"
- On-Demand (online) course
- Length - 2.25 hours
- Certificate available upon completion of the program
- In-person training available from your local Epilepsy Foundation Office
Supplemental Lessons for School Nurses on Rescue Therapies, Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures and IEP/504 Planning for Students with Seizures
- Each lesson averages 1 hour
- Online training – coming in November 2019
- In-person training available now from your local Epilepsy Foundation office
Educational Webinars on other epilepsy topics
- CE Programs available through American Association of Neuroscience Nurses (AANN)
- National Epilepsy Education and Awareness Collaborative (NEEAC): Basics of Seizures and Epilepsy Webinar Series.
Epilepsy Education for Students
The Epilepsy Foundation’s "Take Charge" series of epilepsy education is available for three age groups – elementary school, middle school, and high school. These videos can be easily viewed online or used with in-person education to student groups.
- Online videos
- In-person education for students
- Programs may vary among states.
- Contact your local EF office to schedule a training
Resources
The Epilepsy Foundation has a wealth of resources for schools, including seizure action plans, seizure observation tools, parent questionnaires, and more.
More
Visit our Toolbox to browse other resources.
Seizure Safe Schools
Many states are passing legislation to ensure that school personnel have appropriate training and policies to support students living with epilepsy and seizures.
The Epilepsy Foundation has a model bill that covers these issues:
- The legislation makes certain that school personnel, including nurses, teachers, and volunteers, are not only prepared but can recognize and respond appropriately and efficiently to a student during a seizure.
- The legislation mandates that a student's Seizure Action Plan is made part of the student's file and made available to school personnel and volunteers responsible for the student.
- Even more importantly, the legislation safeguards physician-directed care in the school setting, allowing students access to necessary and life-saving medication.
- Lastly, by bringing awareness to the entire educational community, students with epilepsy and seizures can feel safe in school, reach their full academic potential, and build meaningful friendships without fear of being stigmatized.
Learn about seizure safe schools and how to help in your community.
