Food Allergy Support of East Alabama

As a parent of children with food allergies, I know how stressful it can be sending your child to school.  You worry constantly and hope they are not exposed to the food allergen.  Here is a list of helpful tips to have a positive school experience.  

• Join FAAN!  They are so helpful in dealing with school issues.  Their website is: www.foodallergy.org 
• Contact your school and let them know about your child's allergy (ASAP)
• Request the appropriate paperwork from your school (i.e. Medication Parent/ Prescriber Authorization Form, Child Nutrition Form, Epi-Pen authorization form)
• Meet with your child's teacher, school nurse, principal, and child nutrition manager at least one week before school starts to discuss your child's allergy and to review the IHP or 504 plan for your child
• Return your required paperwork no later than the week prior to school starting 
• Meet with the school nurse and turn in your child's medications (EpiPens, Inhalers, etc..) the week before school.  **It is so crazy on the first day of school!!  You want to be sure the medication is in place when your child arrives on their first day
• Fill out Action Plans for each teacher that your child will be with during the day (ex. P.E coach, Art teacher, homeroom teacher, etc...) *Put a picture of your child on the Action Plan
• Have your child wear a Medical ID bracelet that contains vital information concerning the food allergies
• Send a "special snack" box to be kept in the classroom.  It should contain safe snacks for your child to eat whenever goodies such as baked goods are brought into the classroom
•  Talk with the students in the classroom about your child's allergy.  For example:  you can read a story about allergies such as "Alexander, The Elephant That Couldn't Eat Peanuts."  Let the students know that your child is just like them, only with a food allergy.  The students will learn to be understanding of allergies and also help your child stay safe. 
•  Volunteer to be a room parent or room parent assistant
•  Stay in close communication with the school nurse  
•  Be sure to say THANK YOU to the teachers, parents and students for helping to keep your child safe.

 **Food Allergy Support of East Alabama is not a professional or medical organization.  We are a group of people that support one another through sharing of information and resources.  We are not meant to offer medical and/or legal advice and any discussions, handouts, speakers, agendas or other materials of our support group and web site should not be relied upon as such.  Always consult your qualified personal physician with any questions or medical issues.