Planning to Work With Schools

For parents of children with food allergies, back-to-school preparation involves so much more than buying school supplies and new clothes. Pre-planning and working with school personnel are the keys to a school year free of reactions. Here are some suggestions for actions to take before the first day of school.

 

  • Arrange a meeting with pertinent school officials, such as the school nurse, principal, dining service supervisors, coaches (if applicable), and/or your child’s teacher(s).
  • Provide your child’s history with food allergies to the staff so that they can recognize symptoms and act quickly in the event of an emergency.
  • Offer to do an epinephrine auto-injector demonstration using a trainer or expired epinephrine auto-injector (in which case, an orange or grapefruit should be used). 
  • Bring a completed Food Allergy Action Plan for your child.
  • Discuss policies on food in the classroom to ensure that no food is given to your child in the case of birthday celebrations, etc., without your permission. You may want to provide a snack box with treats your child can have in the event of an unplanned celebration.
  •  Provide your child’s medication to school staff, making sure that it includes dosage and a signed physician’s order. Check expiration dates to ensure the medication doesn’t expire before the end of the school year. If it does, mark your calendar so that you remember to replace the supplies at school.
  • Have your child meet the school nurse as soon as possible to help ensure they both recognize each other, and they can develop a comfort level with each other.

By having plans in place, your child can participate in school activities safely, and you will have more peace of mind.

E-Mail Print Bookmark and Share