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For Patients & Families

School Liaison Program

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  • 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

    School Liaison Program Services for Your Child

    If you are interested in services for your child, please complete this referral form. Once received, a member of our team will respond to your request via email within three business days.

    Servicios del programa de enlace escolar para su hijo

    Si está interesado en los servicios para su hijo, complete este formulario de referencia. Una vez recibida, un miembro de nuestro equipo responderá a su solicitud por correo electrónico dentro de los tres días hábiles.

    The School Liaison Program collaborates closely with the Neuropsychology Program at Boston Children’s Hospital but does not provide direct assessment. If your child requires neuropsychological testing, please contact the Neuropsychology Program at 617-355-6398 or email npcoordinator@childrens.harvard.edu, or ask a clinician for a community-based referral.

    Online Resources and Education

    Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

    Federation for Children with Special Needs

    National Association of School Psychologists

    Massachusetts Advocates for Children

    Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation

    Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

    Alex’s Lemonade Stand – school guide aimed at supporting families, school personnel, and classmates affected by childhood cancer

    National GRACE Foundation – provides free college admissions and financial aid counseling to pediatric patients and survivors

    American Childhood Cancer Organization

    Managing School During and After Cancer

    Children’s Oncology Group

    Livestrong


    Contact Us

    The School Liaison Program
    Division of Pediatric Psychosocial Oncology
    Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
    450 Brookline Avenue
    Boston, MA 02215
    Email: SchoolLiaisonProgram@dfci.harvard.edu