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In School

It’s normal for any parent to feel a bit anxious when a child enters kindergarten or moves on to a new school.  But parents of food-allergic children have special concerns: Will my child be safe?  Will they know what to do if she has a reaction?  Will the other students and parents understand?  Fortunately, public awareness of the seriousness of food allergies is growing, and many schools have developed food allergy and anaphylaxis management policies.  By working as a team with the school staff, other parents and students, and your physician, you can ensure that your child has a safe, successful school experience.

Federal law requires that all children receive a “free and appropriate public education.”  This should mean that schools must provide a safe environment for students with life-threatening food allergies.  While there is no universal, “one-size-fits-all” set of food allergy guidelines, many schools have adopted successful policies based on the experience and best practices of schools throughout the country.  As the New Jersey Department of Education guidelines state, schools “should develop comprehensive yet flexible policies that address different allergens, varying ages and maturity levels of students, and the physical properties and organizational structures of schools.”  The key components of an effective food allergy policy are:

• Medical management.  The school should have an Individualized Health Care Plan (IHP) and an Individualized Emergency Care Plan (IECP) for every student with a life-threatening food allergy.
• Risk reduction.  Guidelines should be in place to protect food-allergic children from exposure to allergens during the school day, during before- and after-school programs and school activities, in the cafeteria, and on school buses.
• Communication and implementation.  The roles of parents, staff, and students in preventing exposure to allergens should be clearly defined, and there should be clear-cut policies and procedures for reporting life-threatening allergic reactions.

Working with the School
Now that you have the big picture, how do you work with your child’s school?  You’ll want to meet with the principal and school nurse by early spring of the year before your child starts school, and at least once a year thereafter.  Here are some tips to help you prepare for your meeting:

• For an excellent overview, read School Guidelines for Managing Students with Food Allergies, which defines the responsibilities of the family, the school, and the food-allergic student.  This document, which was developed by a consortium of professional associations and food allergy experts, provides a strong foundation for creating an effective management plan.
• Check with your state’s Department of Education (DOE) to find out if statewide food allergy management guidelines are in place for public schools.  (Please note that some state guidelines also apply private schools and day care centers that receive federal funding.)  You’ll find a list of states that have implemented policies at the end of this article.  Although FAI makes every effort to keep this list up-to-date, please be sure to check with the DOE if your state isn’t on the list.
• Many schools have established their own policies, even if there are no statewide guidelines. Call your child’s school to find out if it has one, and if so, request a copy to review before your meeting.
• Consider the individual needs of your child and how the school might accommodate those needs (in conjunction with the existing policy, if there is one).  Of course, you’ll want to ensure that the environment is safe for your child, but you’ll also want to make sure that she doesn’t feel isolated. School is an important part of your child’s day and it offers a variety of activities.  Imagine what an average day looks like and think, also, about how to handle special occasions, such as holiday celebrations.  During your discussion, this may help school administrators pinpoint potential risk factors that can be reduced or eliminated. 
• Remember, the more you can inform school administrators and teachers about your child’s needs—in a friendly and cooperative manner—the greater the likelihood that you’ll forge a strong, long-term partnership.

If the School Isn’t Cooperative
Most schools want to work with you to develop a plan that will protect your child while helping him become a successful member of the school community.  Unfortunately, parents sometimes do encounter schools that are not cooperative.  If this happens, remember that your child’s right to a free and appropriate public education is guaranteed by federal law—specifically, by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Under this law, the school should not be able to refuse admission to your child because she has a food allergy.   Further, it should provide services and modify programs to ensure that she can safely participate in all school activities.  Your child should not be excluded from any activity (including eating in the cafeteria or participating in field trips) because of her food allergy. 

A “Section 504 Plan” details the accommodations that the school must make for an eligible student.  If you think your child needs a 504 plan, contact the Office of Civil Rights, or OCR (a division of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department).  You can reach OCR by calling 800-368-1019, by e-mail, or by visiting the OCR Web site.

Learn more about Section 504 Plans.

States That Have Food Allergy Management Guidelines
The following states have established statewide food allergy policies/guidelines. In addition, Colorado, Illinois, and Missouri are currently developing guidelines. You can review the guidelines for your state or share some of these policies with your school if your state does not currently have guidelines.

Arizona
Connecticut
Maryland
Massachusetts
Mississippi
New Jersey has food allergy management guidelines and training protocols for administering epinephrine
New York
Tennessee
Vermont
Washington

Tools and Resources
Authorization of Emergency Treatment
Sample Letter from a School Principal
Peanut-Free Classroom Poster