Back to school with food allergies
It's that time again. I'm getting both my sons ready to go back to school. Not only do I have to make sure that they have back to school supplies and clothing, but I also have to make sure that my food allergy son is all set with an updated food allergy action plan and that all of his medication is up to date.
This year I have it kind of easy. His teacher for this year was the director at his preschool. She knows him and is aware of his food allergies. I'll only have to do a review with her instead of a full blown lesson. I still have to start getting all of my EPI pen prescriptions refilled. Our insurance company will only let me fill one, two pack every 10 days. I need six 2 packs for the school. I need to start now.
This year I have it kind of easy. His teacher for this year was the director at his preschool. She knows him and is aware of his food allergies. I'll only have to do a review with her instead of a full blown lesson. I still have to start getting all of my EPI pen prescriptions refilled. Our insurance company will only let me fill one, two pack every 10 days. I need six 2 packs for the school. I need to start now.
What other things do I usually do?
1. I need to get an updated Emergency Action Plan for the school .
2. I need to reprint the list of safe art supplies and have it ready to give to the teacher and request that she go through the classroom and remove any pasta and play dough that was used the previous year.
3. I need to refill the safe snack box that we keep in the classroom in case I forget to send a snack or in case there is a surprise birthday at school.
4. I need to bake some cupcakes that will be kept in the freezer at school for any surprise treats or parties that come up.
5. I need to update and reprint a list of expectations that I have for my son's care (requesting to be notified of birthday parties in advance, requesting to attend any and all field trips, requesting that no food be used in classroom projects without prior authorization, and I believe there is a "Thanksgiving Dinner" that will need to be addressed this year).
1. I need to get an updated Emergency Action Plan for the school .
2. I need to reprint the list of safe art supplies and have it ready to give to the teacher and request that she go through the classroom and remove any pasta and play dough that was used the previous year.
3. I need to refill the safe snack box that we keep in the classroom in case I forget to send a snack or in case there is a surprise birthday at school.
4. I need to bake some cupcakes that will be kept in the freezer at school for any surprise treats or parties that come up.
5. I need to update and reprint a list of expectations that I have for my son's care (requesting to be notified of birthday parties in advance, requesting to attend any and all field trips, requesting that no food be used in classroom projects without prior authorization, and I believe there is a "Thanksgiving Dinner" that will need to be addressed this year).
6. I also need to sit down and review with my son his role in protecting himself and what he needs to do to keep himself safe (no sharing food, etc.)
7. I need to call the school and set up an advanced meeting with the teacher to discuss anything new with her and to review all of the procedures that need to be put in place to keep my son safe.
It may sound like a lot but we have this down to a science so it really isn't. And because the teacher already knows him, I expect this year to be even smoother than it has been.
We do not have a 504 Plan in place (we are at a private school), but if you are in a public school and you have a 504 plan this would be a good time to review it and to see if there are any changes that need to be made.
7. I need to call the school and set up an advanced meeting with the teacher to discuss anything new with her and to review all of the procedures that need to be put in place to keep my son safe.
It may sound like a lot but we have this down to a science so it really isn't. And because the teacher already knows him, I expect this year to be even smoother than it has been.
We do not have a 504 Plan in place (we are at a private school), but if you are in a public school and you have a 504 plan this would be a good time to review it and to see if there are any changes that need to be made.
Starting a new school year can be stressful for any student, but it can be extra stressful for students who have a special need like a food allergy. But with advance preparation, the amount of stress due to food allergies can be lessened for all.
What do you do to get your food allergy child ready for a new school year? How do you prep a new teacher to deal with your child's food allergies? Do you have a child that is actually moving to a new school this year? Has that added an extra amount of stress to the new school year?
Share your tips for getting through the new school year jitters with food allergies!!
What do you do to get your food allergy child ready for a new school year? How do you prep a new teacher to deal with your child's food allergies? Do you have a child that is actually moving to a new school this year? Has that added an extra amount of stress to the new school year?
Share your tips for getting through the new school year jitters with food allergies!!
-
Comment by amanda on August 4, 2010 at 12:07pm -
Wow Janeen, there is a lot of work you have to do to get your son ready—I had no idea the intricacies involved. But you're right, it seems like you've definitely got it down to a science! Your son is lucky he has someone to look out for him as thoroughly as you do. I wonder/worry what kids with food allergies who don't have knowledgeable proactive parents might have to deal with. It's scary to think about. Do you think it would be easier if there was a sort of food-allergy-parent council that basically addressed all of the items on your list in a more communal way so it would be an easier transition? I wonder if this team exists at larger schools or if it will be a thing of the future as more kids with food allergies are in class together. I know you've discussed in the past the tension between the food-allergy-parents and the other parents - but I wonder if having others help you would actually help you or if you want to make sure that everything is set for your son yourself. Just some things I thought of :)
-
Comment by Amy K on August 4, 2010 at 1:18pm -
It is amazing how much you must prepare and I commend you for taking such good care of your son. I know that you are certainly a role model.
I agree with Amanda, it would be great if the school nurse or a the dietary staff at the school could make sure the school is prepared and more friendly to food allergies. It is hard enough to get all of the regular things ready for school to begin...
I never realized how insensitive or ignorant I have been about these issues until reading about what you and your family contend with, I appreciate your perspective greatly.
I wonder if you would be interested in visiting your local school's PTA boards (monthly meetings) and giving them a run down of what it's like to parent a child with food allergies, perhaps they will support you and it would help raise awareness? Just a thought!
-
Comment by Ellen S on August 4, 2010 at 2:09pm -
Janeen - very concise post! I remember having to go through this every year when my son was in school. *Whew* I'm so glad he's out of school now! In our case we ran into some very stubborn and difficult teachers and administrators who were unapologetically unsympathetic to his needs. It was a terrible fight that caused much stress in our lives. We ended up having to get a child advocate to help us through the process, and even then we met with several roadblocks. Do you have any other suggestions for those like us who are trying to do what's necessary to keep their children safe, but meeting with opposition??
-
Comment by Janeen on August 5, 2010 at 9:48am -
Ladies, All good questions!!
Amy, Yes I (and other parents of food allergic children) would be more than willing to speak to schools, school boards and PTA's about food allergies and schools. What we really need is a universal set of standards set forth by the government, whether state or local, that sets forth how to handle food allergies in a school setting. If you look at This article titled "Peanut Butter Panic" not everyone is interested or cares or actually believes in helping a child with food allergies. Many people still don't actually think they exist. They won't care what we go through or what the child goes through because A. They think we make it up or B. They are so into themselves that they only care about how it affects them.
That's where the The Americans With Disabilities Act and a 504 plan can help in the public schools (but look out, because disabled people don't think that food allergies fall under this and get angry when we use it). Every child deserves an education in a safe environment. If a child needs a wheel chair the school needs to be modified to fit their needs. The same goes for food allergies. And Ellen's Child Advocate is the person who is supposed to facilitate this process. Is it perfect? No. But it is within the Federal Law. And you can hire a lawyer if need be (and if you can afford to) if it's necessary. Your child can't be denied a safe, education.
But you also need to be realistic. You can't expect the school to put your child in a bubble. There are limitations and your demands and needs should be reasonable. It also helps if you have a medical professional on your side and if you get something in writing. And I should also say that if you go in with a good attitude and try to work with the school in a positive manner from the beginning it will take you further than if you head in with guns blazing ready for a fight from the start.
But not all schools or school personnel are willing to do what it takes to keep a food allergy kid safe. Some will fight you because "this is how we've always done things" or because she feels you or your child is just difficult. You can read more about 504 plans, disabilities and discrimination from Writes Law Discrimination: Section 504 and ADA
Comment
© 2012 Created by Susan M..
You need to be a member of WEGO Health to add comments!
Join WEGO Health