Framework and Suggestions for Kindergarten to Third Grade Teachers in Managing Asthma and Other Related Chronic Illnesses

Early childhood educator preparation program curricula contain limited course work and accompanying field experiences on chronic illness management and supporting young children with these conditions. The current study examines data from 319 kindergarten to third grade teachers from the southeastern United States and their perceptions of statewide resources, school supports, and professional learning surrounding chronic illness and asthma management in schools. Results indicated teachers were not aware of the statewide supports for understanding regulations and accessing policies to assist children with chronic illness and asthma and that teachers were not adequately prepared to support children with chronic illness in their classrooms. Preparation programs did not include specific standards or experiences for supporting and teaching children with chronic illness. Teachers identified in-service opportunities as the educational context where professional learning about chronic illness took place. Twenty percent of teachers did not have strategies in place nor a minimum level of knowledge about medical emergencies or First Aid/CPR. We present a framework for addressing chronic illness with specific suggestions for improved preparation for teachers to enhance the early learning experiences of children in their classrooms.