Supporting Students with a Port: A Teacher’s Guide

Created by The Silly Lily Foundation

What Is a Port?

A port (or “port-a-cath”) is a small medical device placed under the skin, usually in the chest, that allows doctors or nurses to access a vein for treatments like medication, fluids, or nutrition. It helps reduce the need for repeated needle sticks.

Students with a port can do many of the same things as their peers, they just have a superpower built in!

What Teachers Should Know

  • It’s under the skin. Ports are not external like PICC lines. You may not see anything unless the student is accessing it at school (rare).

  • It’s used for medical needs. A port might be accessed during hospital visits, home health care, or emergencies. At school, access is uncommon unless the student has a nurse or infusion schedule.

  • It can be sensitive. The area over the port can be sore, especially after access or surgery. Be mindful of contact during activities or roughhousing.

Tips for Inclusion & Emotional Support

  • Honor their voice. Let the student choose how much they want to share. They may love explaining it, or prefer privacy.

  • Support peer understanding. If the child is open, help facilitate a class-friendly explanation using books (like Silly Lily and Her Port), visuals, or their own words.

  • Celebrate their bravery. Recognize resilience with kind words or small classroom roles. Even showing up after an appointment can be a big deal!

Things to Avoid

  • Don’t touch the area over their port unless trained and authorized to do so.

  • Don’t single them out unless they’ve asked to share.

Don’t assume limitations. Always check with the student, caregiver, or school nurse first.

Classroom Accommodations (Examples)

  • Flexible seating (to avoid bumping the port)

  • Extra time after medical appointments

  • Safe space to rest if tired

  • As needed nurse visits without penalty

  • A buddy system for emotional support

  • Permission to wear port-friendly clothing (zippers, buttons) even if it differs from uniform

  • Respect for medical devices or accessories (numbing cream patches, dressings)

Collaborating with Families & School Nurses

  • Keep open lines of communication with caregivers about the child’s needs.

  • Coordinate with the school nurse to understand procedures, emergency plans, or any scheduled medical times.

  • Consider an Individualized Health Plan (IHP) if the port is part of ongoing medical care.

Sample Language to Use in Class

“Some kids have freckles, some wear glasses, and some need medical devices like a port to help their body stay strong.”