What Is the School Liaison Program?
The School Liaison Program in the Division of Pediatric Psychosocial Services at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute provides services to pediatric patients who have completed therapy for disease and treatments involving the central nervous system. We offer consultation to parents about the cognitive late effects of treatment to help them better understand and advocate for their child’s learning needs. We also collaborate with school districts and teams to ensure that educators have knowledge of the neuropsychological effects of treatment and the recommended services and strategies that will enable a child to meet their academic potential.
Who Qualifies for School Liaison Program Services?
Children must meet the following criteria to be eligible for School Liaison Program services:
- Registered patient at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Had a diagnosis or treatment that involved the central nervous system
- Has completed active treatment
- Is of school age, between kindergarten and high school graduation
Services Provided by the School Liaison Program
The School Liaison Program provides consultation, psychoeducation, and advocacy regarding neurocognitive late effects of pediatric cancer and its treatment. Our services include:
- Review of school documentation, including IEPs, 504 plans, evaluations, and progress reports
- Assistance in developing appropriate educational support plans
- Attendance at school meetings for families living within 60 miles of Dana-Farber
- Participation in school meetings via phone/video conference for families living beyond 60 miles of Dana-Farber
- Telephone consultation to schools and families
- Observation of the child in school when appropriate
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital
- Education regarding the needs of survivors through seminars and an annual College Night
- Referral to outside services as needed