Supporting a Student with a Feeding Tube: A Teacher’s Guide

What is a Feeding Tube?

 

A feeding tube is a medical device that provides nutrition, hydration, and/or medication directly to a student’s stomach or small intestine. It may be used due to a variety of diagnoses including gastrointestinal conditions, neurological disorders, or failure to thrive. Feeding tubes can be temporary or long-term and include types such as:

• G-tube (Gastrostomy tube) – placed directly into the stomach

• J-tube (Jejunostomy tube) – placed into the small intestine

• NG-tube (Nasogastric tube) – inserted through the nose into the stomach

Feeding tubes do not affect a student’s ability to learn, play, or participate fully in school life.

 

What Teachers Should Know

 

• Oral eating may be limited or not permitted. This is part of their care plan and does not indicate distress or illness.

• Feeds may be administered during school hours. These are typically handled by the school nurse, trained staff, or a parent, based on the IEP or 504 Plan.

• The tube itself is not painful. However, it is important to avoid physical contact or tugging during active play.

• Each student will have a different comfort level. Some may want to talk about their tube, others may prefer privacy.

• A care plan should be on file. This includes emergency protocols, feeding schedules, medication details, and any physical activity restrictions.

Practical Tips for Classroom Inclusion

 

• Build an inclusive classroom culture. Support diversity in health and body differences through open, respectful communication.

  • Allow flexible accommodations. A student may need to visit the nurse, miss class briefly for feedings, or carry medical supplies.

  • Encourage safe play. Avoid games or seating arrangements that risk bumping or pulling on the feeding site.

  • Coordinate with the school nurse and parents. Clear communication ensures consistency and safety.

  • Respect privacy. Ask the student (and caregiver) how public they are about their feeding tube and follow their lead.

Navigating Meal and Snack Times

 

• The student may not eat during snack or lunch periods, may take small oral tastes depending on their care plan, or fully eat.

• Reinforce that all bodies receive energy in different ways—this can help reduce stigma and curiosity from peers.

• Consider including non-food-based rewards and activities to promote equity.

Supporting Peers’ Questions

 

Peers may be curious. Encourage age-appropriate understanding without singling out the student. If allowed, here are examples of neutral responses:

• “Some kids eat with their mouths, and some need help in a different way. Both are okay.”

• “Feeding tubes are medical devices. They help the body stay strong.” Always get parental consent before discussing a student’s medical device with the class.

Who Should Be Involved

 

• School Nurse – oversees feeds, monitors the site, and communicates with the family

• Classroom Aide/1:1 Support (if applicable) – may assist with transitions or safety

• Parents/Caregivers – offer guidance on routines, preferences, and emergency info

• Pediatric GI or Nutrition Team – outside providers coordinating care

Sample 504 or IEP Accommodations

 

Here are examples of accommodations that may appear in a student’s 504 Plan or IEP:

• Permission for scheduled feedings or nurse visits during instructional time

• Private space for feeding if preferred

• Allowance for extra absences or rest periods due to medical fatigue

• Emergency protocol for dislodged or malfunctioning tube

• Use of comfort items (e.g., medical pouch, stim items, fidgets)

• Alternative assignments if oral presentations or food-related projects cause distress

• Collaboration between school nurse and classroom teacher on routines

Recommended Children’s Books and Resources

 

• Silly Lily and Her Feeding Tube by Madison Holden

• My Tubey Goes To School by Nicole Wilson

• Mighty Me: My Feeding Tube Doesn’t Define Me by Emily Dolton

• My Belly Has Two Buttons by Meikele Lee

• Feeding Tube Awareness Foundation – www.feedingtubeawareness.org

Final Thoughts

 

Having a student with a feeding tube in your classroom is a meaningful opportunity to model inclusion, empathy, and adaptability. Your awareness and flexibility can make a tremendous difference in how safe and supported the child feels at school. Thank you for being a champion for medically complex students.

We’re here to help you create safe, inclusive spaces—one student at a time. Visit us at www.sillylilyfoundation.org