Allergies at the Elementary School Level
Suggestions for Coping with Allergens During Primary Education
Aug 15, 2009
All of the people involved with an allergic child at the primary or elementary school level must work together to provide a safe environment, ensuring that the child has the best possible experience.
The Parent or Guardian of an Allergic Child at School
There are several proactive things that a parent or guardian can do to help ensure that school is a safe place for the allergic child:
- Before school starts, the parent or guardian should ask for a meeting with administration and all staff who will be involved with the allergic child.
- With the help of the child’s physician, an emergency plan can be written up and distributed to the school staff, along with a photo of the child. This can be presented at the meeting before school starts.
- The parent or guardian should make sure that all staff know where medication will be kept and how to use it.
- In a meeting with the teacher, the parent or guardian should discuss what will take place during any special activities such as field trips, celebrations and outdoor activities. They can decide which actions will ensure safe inclusion of the allergic child.
- The parent or guardian can ask for periodic meetings to update information and discuss concerns. This is especially important if a reaction occurs.
- The parent or guardian can educate the child as much as possible and discuss what will take place at school.
- It is important that the allergic child carry some form of medical identification.
The Teacher and Support Staff of an Allergic Child
Other than parents or guardians, the classroom teacher will have the most daily contact with the allergic child and can do several things to maintain a safe environment:
- The teacher should make herself available for all planning and information sessions with the parent or guardian and other administrators and staff.
- The teacher can relay information to other parents and students about the seriousness of the allergy and what they should do to help create a safe environment. This should be done as soon as school starts.
- Safe treats, craft materials and classroom supplies should be provided for all activities and celebrations.
- The teacher should encourage all students to do frequent and proper hand washing.
The School Administration of an Allergic Child
The school administration is an important support for creating a safe school environment for the allergic child:
- The administration of the school can ensure that all scheduled meetings take place in a timely manner, with all required staff present.
- All procedures should be put in place and routinely evaluated and updated as required.
- The administration should become familiar with any district policies regarding allergies in schools.
- All substitute staff, monitors, assistants and bus drivers should be made aware of routine and emergency procedures for the allergic child. The bus driver should have a way to communicate an emergency if an allergic attack takes place.
Communication, education and updates are extremely important because each child’s situation will be individual, depending on factors such as age and the allergies involved. If all of the people involved work together, the allergic child can have a safe school experience.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical attention and supervision.
Sources:
Anderson, A. Flourishing With Food Allergies: Social, Emotional, and Practical Guidance for Families with Young Children. Southbury, CT: Papoose Publishing, 2008.
Barber, Marianne S. The Parent’s Guide to Food Allergies: Clear and Complete Advice from the Experts on Raising Your Food-allergic Child. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2001.
Ehrlich, Paul M. Teen’s Guides: Living with Allergies. New York: Checkmark Books, 2009.
For other articles about allergies and school see Allergies at the Middle and High School Levels, Allergies at the College or University Level and Allergic Children and Sunday School Classes.
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