Preparing For a New School Year With Food Allergies
Preparing to go back-to-school with food-allergic kids can require a few extra steps. Red Sneakers for Oakley has compiled some back to school resources to make starting a new school year easier for you and your family! Download the RSFO Back To School Guide which includes Emergency Action Plan Templates, Back To School Checklists, and other resources for all ages: Pre-School all the way to University.
Here are some tips that @kidswithfoodallergies suggests you follow:
1️⃣ COMMUNICATE WITH THE SCHOOL ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S FOOD ALLERGIES
Ask questions such as:
▫️ Is staff trained on how to manage food allergies?
▫️ When is the nurse at the school? Who takes care of students when the nurse is gone?
▫️ Where will my child’s emergency medicines be held during the day?
▫️ Inquire about your child's care plan—ECP/IHCP/504 plan.
2️⃣ MEET WITH YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER & THE FOOD SERVICES DIRECTOR
Here are some questions you can ask:
▫️ How are food allergies handled in the classroom, including during “specials” like art and music, celebrations, and classroom activities that might include food?
▫️ Will safe snacks be served or can I bring a stash of safe snacks for my child?
▫️ Where are meals served? If served in the classroom, how is cleaning handled?
3️⃣ START PREPARING FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR IN ADVANCE
Set an appointment with the doctor/allergist. During the visit, ask for prescription refills. Turn in the signed forms to the school before the first day.
4️⃣ TEACH YOUR CHILD AGE-APPROPRIATE SKILLS TO HELP THEM SELF-MANAGE THEIR FOOD ALLERGY
This includes:
▫️ Recognizing symptoms of an allergic reaction
▫️ Telling an adult when they are having symptoms
▫️ Carrying and using their own epinephrine auto-injector (if you feel they are old enough/mature enough, and if their school allows them to self-carry).
5️⃣ CREATE AN END-OF-SCHOOL-YEAR PLAN
Some of the reminders you can add to your calendar include:
▫️ Start the process to create or update your child’s IHCP or 504 plan
▫️ Schedule your child’s allergist appt for the summer
▫️ Pick up unused medicines on the last day of school and check expiration dates
