Education

In the classroom.

Educators play a critical role in the identification and management of students with medical problems. The early identification of a potential medical problem by an educator can be a crucial first step toward referral, diagnosis, treatment and management; and the prevention of secondary physical and psychological problems, including impairments of learning and behavior.

Educators across the state of Oregon are encouraged to make referrals to Oregon Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs (OCCYSHN) community-based services. If you are the educator for a child or youth with special health needs who requires follow up for resources or care coordination in the local Community please see the CaCoon Public Health Nurse program as well as our Community Connections Networks (CCN) multidisciplinary teams.  Educators are crucial partners on the 15 existing CCN multidiscipline teams and bring a distinct body of knowledge and skills which, when combined with those of medical and community service providers, can provide unparalleled problem-solving and coordinated care for children and families with special health needs. Educators are involved as local coordinators and professional adjuncts, or by making referrals and participating in multidiscipline team staffings for their own students. Educators are also encouraged to participate in OCCYSHN Education opportunities including the Continuing Medical Education-Community Consultations, and Learning Collaboratives.

Learn more about the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Maternal and Child Health Bureau which funds the OCCYSHN program at www.ask.hrsa.gov/MCH.cfm . Websites pertinent to educators serving children and youth with special health needs include the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/index.html?src=mr and the Oregon Department of Education www.ode.state.or.us .

Websites providing information on special education and developmental disabilities include: the Internet Resources for Special Children (IRSC) at www.irsc.org; the Special Education Resources on the Internet (SERI) www.seriweb.com , the National Information Center for Children & Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) at www.nichcy.org ; and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) at www.cec.sped.org .