HELP CHILDREN RETURN 

TO SCHOOL AFTER A TBI 

Because children’s 

daily lives are 

centered on school, 

returning to class 

after a Traumatic 

Brain Injury (TBI) is 

a critical transition. 

Learning, behavioral, and social 

problems can emerge over time as 

school demands increase. Schools 

play an important role in managing

 a child’s TBI. The more educators 

know about TBI, the better they will 

be able to support students with 

a TBI at school. 

Traumatic Brain 

Injury in Children SCHOOLS 

WHAT IS A TBI?
 

A Traumatic Brain Injury disrupts the normal functioning of 

the brain. A bump, a blow, or a jolt to the head can cause a 

TBI. With the brain still developing, a child is especially at risk 

for long-term effects from a TBI. These injuries range from 

mild to severe. Mild TBI, referred to as mTBI or concussion, 

is most common. 

CDC’s Report to Congress outlines current gaps 

in TBI care, and provides clear opportunities for 

action to improve the management and outcomes 

of TBI in children. 

TBI can Cause Classroom Challenges 

Children with a TBI may experience problems that affect school work, including: 

Difficulty learning Knowledge gaps Cognitive deficits Emotional or 

new information behavioral problems 
U.S. Department of 

Health and Hum11n Services 

Centers for Disease 

Control and Prevention 

 

COORDINATION IS KEY 

While each child’s recovery from a TBI is unique, outcomes are improved 

when healthcare providers, parents, and school professionals work 

together throughout the transition from the medical setting to school 

and home. Healthcare professionals can help by clearly describing the 

child’s symptoms and health needs in writing, and suggesting follow-up 

appointments for continued monitoring. 

Schools should have a clear protocol for school re-entry, including 

academic, behavioral, and cognitive accommodations. Success is more 

likely when schools continue to monitor and support a child’s progress 

over time. 

COMMUNICATE	 COORDINATE 

Inform parents about available Form a school-based team, 

medical and school services, including parents, school 

and continue to monitor and representatives, and healthcare 

communicate about the child’s representatives to guide the 

recovery and progress. return to school. 

EDUCATE	 MONITOR 

Provide education on TBI School personnel can note 

management and TBI history in school records, 

accommodations for teachers, and monitor children during 

school nurses, school critical transition periods, like 

psychologists, and counselors. moving from elementary to 

middle and high school. 

Returning to School 

Students who have persistent symptoms or more significant learning or behavioral 

challenges may be eligible for: 

504 PLANS:	 SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH SERVICES: 

A 504 plan may include modified classes, physical 	 A school-based health plan can be completed when the 

accommodations like automatic door openers, or assistive 	 student first returns to school. It is written and coordinated 

technology, such as a keyboard for taking notes.	 by the school nurse to describe health-related issues that 

impact learning. SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES: 

Schools can provide students with speech language 	 Some schools may provide customized case management, 

therapy, physical therapy, special classes, and individualized mental health services, referrals, and medication through 

educational plans. school nursing services. 

Check with your school district to learn more about existing resources in your local area to help children with a TBI. 

LEARN MORE 

TBI: www.cdc.gov/TraumaticBrainInjury 

HEADS UP: www.cdc.gov/HEADSUP