Back to School With Food Allergies
Plan Now for a Successful School Year For Your Food Allergic Child
Aug 16, 2009
Over two million children with food allergies will attend school this fall. Some schools have procedures in place to deal with food allergies. Many do not. Parents need to advocate for their food allergic children to keep them safe and included in school activities. Advance planning and regular communication with the school is key.
Every person with food allergies is unique and has special needs. Parents should ask themselves the following questions as they prepare to approach school officials:
How Sensitive are my Child's Food Allergies?
Some people with food allergies are so sensitive that they may have an allergic reaction if a food protein is in the air. Simply smelling a peanut butter sandwich or wheat pasta boiling in a kitchen area may be enough to set off a reaction. For others, getting a food substance on their skin can cause a reaction. Communicating, but not exaggerating, a child's allergic response is most helpful to the school.
Is my Child Able to Carry His/Her Life-Saving Medication?
Epinepherine auto-injectors are the medication of choice to treat an allergic reaction. Consider where this medication should be stored in case a child needs it. An allergic reaction can become fatal in minutes. Students as young as kindergarten have carried their medications safely, often in a waist-pouch. If the student is not ready to carry his/her medication, think about safe places for it to be stored, such as the nurse's office or with the classroom teacher.
What Type of Food Allergy Plan is Needed With the School District?
The common options for a written plan are an Individualized Healthcare Plan(IHP), a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
There are some important differences between these three plans and parents need to work with the school to determine which best meets the child's needs.
- An IHP is a document usually written with the school nurse. It outlines what the school will do to reduce allergen exposure and how an allergic reaction will be handled.
- A 504 Plan has essentially the same purpose as an IHP, but may be useful if additional accommodations need to be made for the safety and security of the student.
- An IEP may be necessary for a child who has additional disabilities, such as asthma, that affect school performance. This option allows for federal funding for appropriate services.
Parents should talk to their child's doctor and the school district to determine the best plan.
What Should be Included in a School Food Allergy Plan?
Regardless of the chosen plan, certain things need to be included. The school will need written documentation of the child's allergies, symptoms of a reaction and what to do in the event of a reaction. The responsibilities of the parents,child, nurse and other staff, including teachers, bus drivers and substitute staff should be outlined. How will special events such as field trips, fire drills, emergency situations such as sheltering in, and classroom parties be handled? Procedures in the cafeteria should be determined and written in the document.
What are the Hidden Food Allergy Dangers in School?
Many soaps, hand sanitizers, art supplies and classroom items contain food proteins. Talk to school administrators for ingredient information.
The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network offers a Back to School Tool Kit to help families communicate with schools about food allergies.
Preparing for a new school year can be an anxious time for families with food allergies. This anxiety can be decreased with proper planning and effective communication with the school.
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