School-Age Intervention Targeted Toolkit

Ages 5 - 12 Years

During middle childhood (ages 5-12), kids with congenital heart defects (CHDs) sometimes need a little support in order to meet their goals, and to keep up with their peers. The services featured in this toolkit are helpful to many kids with CHDs. By focusing on these featured services, parents and providers can feel confident that they are offering children the support they need.

A little girl with a congenital heart defect (CHD) wearing a peach colored shirt and black leggings is climbing up a wooden ladder into a play structure.

Motor/ moving

Kids with congenital heart defects (CHDs) sometimes need help building strength and coordination in their bodies and/or their hands. Intervention can help.

Two young girls with congenital heart defects (CHDs) stand in tall grass next to a river. One girl looks at the water and the other looks back at the camera.

Cognitive/ thinking

During middle childhood, kids with congenital heart defects (CHDs) sometimes need support in developing their thinking, learning, and understanding. These interventions can help.

Two dads with brown hair and black T-shirts lean over their daughter, who has a congenital heart defect (CHD) and a pink dress, and is working on a craft project on a wooden table.

Elementary learning

These interventions and services can help elementary school children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) to make progress apropriate their their potential at school.

A middle school girl with a congenital heart defect (CHD) wearing a blue plaid shirt sits with her knee up, looking away.

Middle school learning

These services can help middle schoolers with congenital heart defects (CHDs) to reach their academic potential.

Two children with congenital heart defects are wearing backpacks and hats, and looking together at a phone.

Social

When kids with congenital heart defects (CHDs) have delays or differences in their social skills, these interventions can help them.

A child with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and long brown hair sits quietly in front of a setting sun.

Language

School-age kids sometimes struggle with aspects of language learning. These interventions can help them to communicate and connect.

A woman in a white shirt with black hair sits at a low wooden table, playing a game with her two girls, who have congenital heart defects (CHDs).

Emotions

Kids with congenital heart defects (CHDs) sometimes need support in learning how to recognize and respond to emotions. These interventions can be helpful.

A dad sits cross-legged at a low table, playing a boardgame with a little girl with black hair and a congenital heart defect (CHD), who wears a rainbow-striped dress.

Special Education and 504 Plans

Special Education and 504 Plans can help many children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) to find success and confidence at school.

A little boy with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and black hair sits at a school desk, writing on a paper.

Special Education

Special Education services, modifications, and accommodations can give children with disabilities the free public education that they deserve.

Two children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) put their hands together in a circle at a summer camp.

Camps

Camps can be a special way for kids with congenital heart defects (CHDs) to learn new skills, challenge themselves, and make friends.

A man with blond hair and a brown shirt sits on the ground at a low table, playing a game with his blond daughter, who has a congenital heart defect (CHD).

Therapy

Kids with heart defects sometimes struggle to manage their thoughts and feelings. Therapy can help. Here's how.

A speech and language pathologist in a black shirt bends down while signing next to her mouth, talking to a little boy with a congenital heart defect (CHD) wearing a red shirt.

Speech and language therapy

School-age kids with congenital heart defects sometimes have lasting challenges expressing themselves fully and clearly, and understanding what others mean when they talk. Speech and language therapy can help them.

A boy with a congenital heart defect and brown curly hair wears a blue shirt and writes with a pencil in his notebook.

Home and hospital (homebound) instruction

Students with frequent medical absences have a right to free and appropriate public education in their home or hospital room. Learn more.

Several boys with congenital heart defects (CHDs) play soccer on a green grass field.

Physical therapy (PT)

Physical therapy can help many kids with congenital heart defects (CHDs) meet motor milestones, and build the strength and coordination they need to reach their physical goals.

A little boy with a congenital heart defect (CHD) wears a yellow shirt and green pants and draws on a whiteboard on a wall.

Occupational therapy (OT)

Occupational therapy (OT) can help kids to participate more fully in their daily lives. They can focus on skills such as self-care, self-regulation, fine motor skills, play skills, social thinking, daily routines, and sensory regulation.

A dad crouches down, holding his son who has a congenital heart defect (CHD) on his shoulders.

Behavior and self-regulation

Children with congenital heart defects (CHDs) sometimes have challenging behaviors and unregulated emotions. Professionals can help families to manage these difficulties, and to bring more calm into the home.