Following a concussion or mild Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), a healthcare professional will recommend cognitive and physical rest. Both are required for the brain to heal. Complete rest is typically needed within the first 1 to 5 days following a concussion.
Thomas MacLaren School acknowledges every concussion is different and every student’s recovery from a concussion is different. A few students will immediately return to school, most will require 2 to 3 days of complete rest before returning to school. For some, a longer rest period is required.
When students return to school, depending upon the severity of the symptoms, learning accommodations may be necessary until symptoms have cleared. Thomas MacLaren School recognizes the need for students to have complete cognitive rest – not just a postponement of school-work.
Guidance for all decisions related to the support of students with a diagnosed concussion/mild Traumatic Brain Injury will be sought from the Colorado Department of Education
Concussion Management Guidelines (2014).
Thomas MacLaren School will adhere to
Return to Play and Return to Learn plans that both involve a stepped progression of increased activity and academics as symptoms lessen. The healing process is not linear, predictable, nor universal, so the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) team–which includes a health representative—will closely monitor and communicate progress. Communication from the student and his or her parent(s) is a necessary, essential element of both the
Return to Play and the Return to Learn process. Forms required for Return to Play is listed below.
Return to Play Form
Thomas MacLaren School requests parents keep the Health Team informed of any and all updated medical information that pertains to the student’s diagnosis; this information will be shared with the Academic MTSS team.