Making a plan in the traditional school environment could take into account fluctuating sleep schedules that result in grogginess or inattentiveness early in the morning. This can be combated with a later schoolday start time and saving important tests for last. Assigning an in-classroom aide or other onsite professional can assist the student with common problems and provide a trusted advocate. This helps when the student feels emotionally overwhelmed or needs organizational help, coping techniques or reminders for group behavioral skills.
Bipolar disorder can also lead to and influence behavioral problems. A Behavioral Intervention Plan included in the IEP can identify triggers and provide solutions (the student could be asked to journal details of experiences that makes her uneasy). Determined by a Functional Behavioral Analyst (FBA), the plan aims to replace these instincts with positive thought and action. If these measures are determined to be unsuccessful, the parent/school official team has the option of placing the student in an alternative classroom setting within the school, with a reduced class size and more individual student focus.
A further option not available in all communities is a therapeutic day school with specialized instructors and a curriculum that includes group and individual therapy and social skills classes. However, some school districts may only give parents options that are inexpensive for the district; some of these schools have received criticism for "segregating" these students from the mainstream rather than catering to them. Therapeutic boarding schools balance studies with rehabilitation, though all have different mission statements and are not required to plan for bipolar students. This could be coupled with an outside psychiatrist.
Residential treatment centers are educational medical facilities with psychiatrists and nurses on staff to administer and monitor medications and provide therapy as mandated by the student's IEP. This is a pricey option, although some school districts can pay for some or most of the cost.
Homebound instruction, designated as a temporary measure, helps fragile students learn from home and provides tutors that make house calls. This is beneficial for some, but restricts the child from developing social skills. Home schooling can also be helpful in honing focus and attention skills. Applying special education measures in this environment will be based on state mandate; some dub this private schooling, making it difficult to acquire funding.