A new school year comes with plenty to think about. And if your child uses intermittent catheters, you may have a few extra questions. Will they have enough time and privacy? What happens if they need help? Will they remember their schedule when the school day gets busy?
A little planning can go a long way. By practicing your child’s routine, communicating with school staff, and planning for unexpected situations, you can help your child feel comfortable, prepared, and confident.
Whether your child is learning to catheterize more independently or still relies on an adult for some or all their care, these tips can help make the transition back to school smoother for everyone involved.
Start With Your Child’s Routine
Build Independence One Step at a Time
Independence does not have to mean doing everything alone. For some children, independence may mean completing the entire catheterization routine on their own. For others, it may mean handling a few steps independently and knowing when to ask for help.
Focus on the skills your child is ready to take on now and build from there.
Practice the Routine Before School Starts
Practice the routine before school starts, including in settings outside your home when possible. As your child becomes more comfortable, remind them that using a catheter is simply one part of caring for their body.
Review Clean Catheterization Habits
Help your child follow the clean catheterization routine recommended by their health care team. The exact steps may vary based on your child’s needs and the type of catheter they use.
Review the routine together in clear, age-appropriate language. Depending on the instructions from your child’s health care provider, that routine may include:
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Washing hands thoroughly before catheterization
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Cleaning the insert area as directed
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Avoiding unnecessary contact with the catheter
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Using catheters and other supplies as instructed
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Disposing of used supplies appropriately
Focus on what your child can do rather than what might go wrong. A calm, matter-of-fact approach can help catheterization feel like a normal part of the day.
Pack a School Catheter Supply Kit
A dedicated supply kit can help your child stay prepared throughout the school day. Choose a discreet bag that is easy to carry and fits your child’s preferences. It may be a small backpack, belt bag, purse, or carrying case.
Your child’s kit may include:
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Enough catheters for the school day, plus extras
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Supplies recommended by their health care team
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Hand sanitizer or handwashing supplies, as appropriate
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Disposal bags
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A change of clothing if it is part of your child’s routine
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Emergency contact information
Check the kit regularly and restock it before supplies run low. You may also want to keep a backup kit in the nurse’s office, or another agreed upon location at school.
Make a Catheterization Schedule
Work with your child and their health care team to create a catheterization schedule that fits the school day.
Talk through when catheterization should happen and how your child will keep track of those times. Depending on your child’s age, they may use a watch, phone reminder, written schedule, or prompt from a trusted adult.
Partner with Your Child’s School
Ask About Medical Forms
Contact the school to ask what medical documentation it may need. Your child’s health care provider can help you determine which forms or instructions should be submitted.
Starting this conversation early gives the school time to review your child’s needs and prepare appropriate support.
Meet with the People Who Will Support Your Child
Consider meeting with the staff members who will help support your child. Depending on the school and your child’s needs, this group may include:
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Teachers
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The school nurse
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Administrators
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Classroom aides
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Coaches or activity leaders
Use the meeting to explain your child’s needs, review their catheterization schedule, discuss restroom access, and identify whom your child should contact for help.
Plan for Privacy and Restroom Access
Many children worry about standing out from their classmates. Talk with school staff about protecting your child’s privacy while making sure they can get the support they need.
For example, your child may need to leave class at scheduled times or unexpectedly without being asked to explain the reason in front of other students. Information about your child’s catheter use should be handled privately and shared only as appropriate for their care and support.
If possible, let your child visit the restroom or other private space they will use. Seeing the space and practicing the routine before the first day can make the new routine feel more familiar.
Create a School-Day Catheterization Plan
Before school begins, make sure you, your child, and the appropriate school staff have a shared understanding of how catheterization will work during a typical day—and what to do when the day is not typical. Discuss:
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Which restroom or private space will your child use?
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Is the space accessible to your child?
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Can your child leave class when needed:
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Who will your child contact if they need help?
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Where will backup supplies be stored?
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What happens if your child misses a scheduled catheterization?
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How will the plan work during testing, assemblies, drills, or schedule changes?
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How will necessary information be communicated to substitutes or field-trip chaperones?
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How can your child discreetly signal that they need to leave class or need assistance?
Answering these questions before school starts can reduce confusion and help your child know where to turn if something does not go as planned.
Be Ready When the School Day Does Not Go as Planned
Prepare for Field Trips, Sports, and Special Activities
Field trips, athletic events, and other activities may require additional planning.
Before an event:
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Pack extra supplies
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Review the catheterization schedule
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Identify available restrooms or private spaces
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Confirm which adult your child can ask for help
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Discuss how supplies will be carried and stored
Many children who use intermittent catheters can participate in sports, physical education, swimming, and extracurricular activities. Follow guidance from your child’s health care team and work with the school to plan for your child’s individual needs.
Have a Backup Plan
Even with careful preparation, supplies can be misplaced, schedules can change, and restroom access can become more complicated than expected.
What Your Child Should Know
Work with your child, their health care provider, and appropriate school staff to create a simple backup plan. Make sure your child knows:
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Where they can catheterize
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When they should catheterize
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Where their supplies are
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Who they can ask for help
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What to do if something does not go according to plan
Review the plan from time to time, especially if your child’s routine or school schedule changes.
Understand School Accommodations
Ask What Accommodations May Be Available
If catheterization affects your child’s access to the school day, they may qualify for formal accommodation or services. These can help ensure that necessary restroom breaks, catheterization routines, medical appointments, or other health needs do not create unnecessary barriers to learning.
What Is a 504 Plan?
One potential option is a plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. A 504 Plan helps protect eligible students with disabilities from discrimination and supports equal access to educational opportunities.
Depending on your child’s eligibility and needs, accommodation may include:
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Access to a restroom or other private space
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Permission to leave class when needed
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Additional time between classes
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Permission to carry catheter supplies
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A backup supply kit stored at school
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A plan for missed class time related to medical appointments
What Is an IEP?
Some children may instead qualify for an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. An IEP describes the special education and related services an eligible student will receive and is developed by a team that includes the child’s parent or guardian and school personnel.
An IEP may address:
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Classroom accommodation
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Progress monitoring
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Individual educational goals
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Specialized instruction
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Related services
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Meetings with parents, caregivers, and school staff
A child’s need for catheterization does not automatically determine eligibility for a 504 Plan or an IEP. Contact your child’s school to ask about its evaluation process and discuss which type of support may be appropriate.
Check In After School Starts
Ask Your Child What’s Work, and What Is not
The first few weeks of school may reveal questions or challenges that did not come up during planning.
Check in with your child regularly. You might ask:
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Do you feel comfortable with the restroom or space you are using?
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Are you able to follow your catheterization schedule?
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Do you have enough time and privacy?
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Do you know whom to ask for help?
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Is there anything that would make the routine easier?
If your child has pain, discomfort, difficulty catheterizing, changes in their usual routine, or another medical concern, contact their health care provider for guidance.
Finally, Help Them Focus on Being a Kid
Going back to school with pediatric catheters may be part of your child’s school day, but it does not have to define it. With the right supplies, a routine they understand, and adults who know how to support them, your child can spend less time worrying about catheterization and more time learning, making friends, joining activities, and enjoying everything else that comes with a new school year.
And as your child grows, their needs may change. Keep checking in, celebrate the things they are learning to manage, and adjust the plan together when something is not working.
If you need help planning your child’s catheter supplies for the school year, ABC Home Medical Supply can help you review available options and arrange refills. You can also contact ABC Home Medical Supply’s 24/7 nurse support team with questions or call 866-897-8588.
Experts are standing by to support all your supply needs. Fill out the form or call 866-897-8588.
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical advice, please speak with your healthcare provider.
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