Children and young adults with cystic fibrosis can attend school and should be expected to take part fully in school activities, including sports and other extracurricular activities. It is important that teachers, students and parents work together as a team to promote the best learning experience possible.
Special considerations may need to be made for a student with CF who is ill in order to maintain his or her schoolwork. Additionally, students with CF may cough frequently or need multiple trips to the bathroom. Neither should be discouraged, as they are the result of how CF affects the body.
Physical activity and exercise play an important role in maintaining the health of anyone with CF. As for all students, school activities (e.g., recess and sports) are a good way for students with CF to stay active and develop and strengthen their muscles.
A student with CF should not be discouraged from participating in physical exercise. Again, good communication between teacher, student, and parent are important to ensure that students with CF are active in school.
In this section, you will find:
- A Teacher's Guide to CF -- Questions and answers for teachers who may have a student(s) with CF in their classroom.
School and CF -- This pamphlet explains the laws that allow students to have their medical needs met when they attend day care, elementary and high school, college and university or get vocational training. (PDF)
School, Enzymes, Sports and CF -- A fact sheet for teachers, caregivers, and parents that describes the unique nutrition needs of the school-aged child with cystic fibrosis. (PDF)
Additional Resources
Updated 08/09/2011
