Severe allergies in my daughter's classroom..what can I do to help?

[Sammsma]

Moms with kids who have severe allergies, please chime in. There is a little girl in my daughter's class that has severe allergies. She has a life threatening allergy to nuts, and has severe reactions to dairy, eggs, coconut and fish. Her classroom is nut-free, but I'm concered about her other allergies as well. I would feel terrible if this little girl got sick because of something we sent to school. In an ideal world, what would you love for other parents to know/do, concerning your child's food allergy?

[medeanj]

I never really had to deal with this at my twins' daycare (except for the nut-free policy). I would perhaps see if you can talk to the child's parents, letting her know right off the bat that you want to do your part in keeping their daughter safe from any allergens; not you are being patronizing.

They might be able to give food ideas and what subtle items on a food label to look out for. For example, labels are required to list potential allergens. They even disclose that though a product may not have the listed allergens, but the machine that manufactured the product did (despite best efforts to clean and sterilize the machinery). This could make a huge difference.

IMO, I would venture to guess that the child's parents would think you very thoughtful.

[RubyV]

Also, you can send wipes and make sure that your child (and others) clean their hands and around their mouths thoroughly after snacks, etc.

Offer to send some allergy friendly baked goods or snacks for events.

Help plan class activities that are not food centered.

carefully screen your own child's food if you send it.

I would really appreciate that! As a mom to a tot with allergies, it would make me happy to know that you are willing to care.

[boongirl]

I would love for my child to carry a fanny pack at all times with an epi pen in it and for their to be one in the classroom and in the nurse's office. I would want the teacher and office staff to know how to use it. I would also want my child's teacher to make sure that my child only eats the food she brings from home. But, I would also make sure that my child's teacher had some treats in her cupboard that are safe to give to my child when the class is having a treat. I would not want my child to miss out. I would also want for my child's whole classroom to have a lesson in allergies, how we mostly all have them but my child's are especially serious, and how to handle that and support my child. I would also want every teacher in the school to see a photo of my child and be made aware of her special needs. I would want to always accompany my child on field trips.