Final answer:
The school social worker should first meet with the student to discuss her feelings after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and understand the challenges she faces at school. The social worker should then work with the teacher and the student's parents to provide a supportive educational environment. Additional steps may include referring the student to a support group and improving school resources for diabetes management.
Step-by-step explanation:
A school social worker's first action should be to meet with the student and explore her feelings about receiving the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes. This personal interaction will provide insight into how the student is coping with the diagnosis and its impact on her life, both emotionally and academically. It is crucial because Type 1 diabetes, being an autoimmune disease, demands significant adjustments to daily routines, which can lead to feelings of isolation and challenges in managing the disease in a school environment.
It's important for the social worker to liaise with the teacher and the parent to ensure a collaborative and supportive approach to the student's education and wellbeing. Education about the effects of a chronic illness like diabetes and handling the specific needs at school, such as blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration, should also be provided to school personnel.
Ultimately, once the student's immediate personal needs are addressed, referring her to a support group and helping the school to become better equipped to manage students with diabetes can be beneficial steps.