Helen: My 6 year old grandson was born with a breathing problem, spent several days in NICU before he was released to go home. He is now in the 1st grade and has a chronic, loud, barking cough. He is not contagious and has no other symptoms or fever, yet they are insisting that we bring in a doctor’s note stating that his cough is ‘normal’ for him and not contagious before he is allowed back to school. They have had other doctor’s notes stating he is normal and his cough is not an issue. Is this legal for them to do? They say it is required often to have these notes.
It may help if his doctor writes a letter explaining that his cough is a chronic medical problem, not a symptom of an infectious disease so the school does not need to worry that he will infect others.
I do hope the child is being seen by a pulmonary specialist. There have been big advances and better medicines for people with lung conditions in recent years.
It appears that someone is focusing on the health issue, & forgetting that the school is to provide an education to the student. You can try communicating with the special ed director or Section 504 coordinator, if you have not done so.