Finding an Allergy Aware school

Sending a child to school for the first time can be exciting but for those with children who have food allergies this can be very scary. It is important to find a school that is capable of meeting your child's needs.

I have compiled a list of possible questions to ask when searching for an allergy aware school. Be aware of the manner in which your questions are answered. Try and find a school based on how comfortable you feel regarding, not only their knowledge of food allergies, but also their willingness to communicate and adapt to your child's needs.

• If your child will be eating lunch at school ask for a copy of the lunch menu. Even if your child brings their own lunch it is important to be aware of what others around him will be eating.

• Ask about peanut/allergen free lunch tables. If these are an option you may want to ask if they have a lunch buddy system to ensure your child isn't left alone at the table feeling isolated from their classmates.

• How are classroom celebrations and other classroom activities such as field trips conducted? Do children bring in food from home? Is an ingredient list/label required for foods brought into the classroom? Will you be able to attend classroom celebrations and/or chaperon field trips?

• Who is trained to use the epi-pen? It should be more then just the school nurse. The nurse isn't always on site or may be unavailable.

• You will also want to know where the epi-pens and other medicines are stored and who has access to them. If they are kept in a locked room, cabinet or drawer, who has the key? What if that person is gone for the day or unavailable?

• What is the plan for accessing medications during a disaster or school lock-down? Is this practiced as part of their emergency drills? Also be aware of the ingredients in your child's earthquake/emergency food supply kit if applicable.

• If your child will be riding the bus, is there a no food rule for the bus? Is the bus driver trained in recognizing an allergic reaction and in using the epi-pen?

For additional information view: School Guidelines For Managing Students With Food Allergies.

Another helpfull resource is the book "How to Manage Your Child's Life-Threatening Food Allergies" by Linda Coss. There is an entire chapter on Preschool as well as a chapter on School and Day Care.

If you know of a school that is doing an outstanding job in the way they handle food allergies let me know! Provide the name and location of the school along with a brief summary of why you think they should make our list of Peanut/Tree-nut free and Allergy friendly schools.