Anyone with a child with allergies in school in Nebraska?

[Juniper Gerrie-Sue]

I have a friend who has a child beginning school, they live in Nebraska, and the school is giving her a really hard time about her requests to keep him safe.  She tried putting him in their pre-k program last year but had to pull him after two visits to the hospital because they gave him food.  He has an IEP and an IHP outlining his allergies and how to keep him safe.  Her request is that the teacher let her know 24 hours prior if there will be a food related activity in the classroom so that she can provide a safe alternative.  The school is saying that they don't know who the teacher will be and won't know until just before the school year starts.  Rather than helping her feel listened to, they are just shooing her away!

I'm in California and our IEP is strict business.  They are legally liable if they break that IEP.  Is that not the case in Nebraska?  Or is it just this school that is being so difficult, do you think?

ANY advice for her would be really appreciated.  I know how important it is to feel like your child is safe at school.  Our school sat me down with the nurse, my son's teacher, and then the teacher is having a meeting with myself and all the other parents of the classroom to talk about Jack's allergies.  I couldn't feel MORE cared for. 

THANK YOU!

This Little Piggy

[scsigrl]

Are they IgE allergies?  Does the child have an epi pen?  I am not sure if IgG allergies are treated the same, that is why I ask.  Is it a public school? Do they participate in the federal lunch program?  If they receive federal funds, they are legally required to enforce a 504 plan. It is a federal thing, so she can get it there.  She needs to find out who the schools 504 coordinator is and get the ball rolling for next year.  It is a legally binding document and the school can get in real trouble if they don't abide by it. It also covers after school programs and such I believe but don't quote me on that.  It is better than an IEP or IHP.  There are samples of 504 plans on the Kids with Food allergies web site if she needs more help. n They are great there and can really point her in the right direction.

If it is a private school, things can be harder but as I said if they get federal funds for lunches they have to do a 504 as well.

HTH.  How scary that she had 2 emergencies :(

[Juniper Gerrie-Sue]

Yes, the are IgE allergies.  Thank you for the 504 plan information.  I did post over on KFA as well so I need to check for replies over there.  Very helpful, thanks!