Attention Parents!

One of the most difficult milestones for the parents of an allergic child is the child’s enrollment in school. The task of working with school officials to ensure a safe environment for your child can be overwhelming and confusing. We’re here to help! We’ve collected  lots of resources to help you on your journey.

FASGMN reminds you to SHARE…BE AWARE…PREPARE 

SHARE information with your child’s school. You’re the expert on your child’s health, so give the school medical information, prescription medications, food substitution ideas, and proposed solutions to issues that arise. Share your time- volunteer as much as you can. And, of course, share your appreciation for their efforts!

BE AWARE of possible risks and obstacles in your child’s school. Find out the traditions and expectations. Learn the routines. Get to know the staff- teachers, administrators, office staff, health staff, kitchen staff, custodians, everyone!

PREPARE for the first day long before it comes. Spend the school year before enrollment getting yourself ready. Request an initial meeting with school staff to get planning started. During the year, prepare ahead for school celebrations and special events, lessons involving food, field trips, substitute teachers and all aspects of the school year.

Attention School Representatives!

We know you have the best interests of all of your students in mind as you perform your complex and challenging job of educating kids in your school. While you obviously must focus on education, we know that a child’s basic safety needs must be met before his or she can learn. As the incidence of food allergies has increased, schools have had to address these safety needs on their own. We’re here to help! We’ve collected lots of resources to help you make your school a safe place to learn for all!

FASGMN reminds you to SHARE…BE AWARE…PREPARE

SHARE information with the allergic child’s parents. You’re the expert on the school day, so share with them possible risks and obstacles that could occur. Share your traditions, expectations, and routines. Invite parents’ full involvement in the planning for their child.

BE AWARE of the issue. Take the time to learn about food allergies, signs of allergic reactions, treatment plans, and daily management techniques. Be aware of what it would be like to be an allergic child going through the school day, as you predict and solve trouble spots.

PREPARE for the enrollment of the child in your school. If the parents contact you the year before enrollment, take time to meet with them early to get started. Prepare your staff with training and drills for handling allergic reactions.