SCHOOL GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING STUDENTS WITH ALLERGIES

Family’s Responsibility

• Notify the school of the student’s allergies
• Work with the school team to develop a plan that accommodates the child’s needs throughout the school, including in the classroom, in the cafeteria, during school-sponsored activities and on the school bus.
• Provide written medical documentation, instructions, and medications as directed by a physician, using the Allergy Action Plan.  Include a picture.
• Provide properly labeled medications and replace medications after use or upon expiration.
• Educate the student in the self-management of his/her food allergy, including: 

1. Safe and unsafe foods
2. Symptoms of allergic reactions
3. How and when to seek help about an allergy-related problem
4. How to read food labels

• Review policies/procedures with the school staff, the student’s physician, the student and his/her family after a reaction has occurred.
• Provide emergency contact information.

School’s Responsibility

• Review health records submitted by parents and physicians.
• Include food-allergic students in school activities. 
• Health/Wellness Committee to establish a prevention plan.  Changes will be made with committee participation.
• Assure that all staff who interact with the student on a regular basis understands food allergy, can recognize symptoms, knows what to do in an emergency, and works with other school staff to eliminate the use of allergens in the food preparation.
• Assure that an emergency kit is available that contains a physician’s standing order for epinephrine.  Students should be allowed to carry their own epinephrine with physician’s order.
• Designate school personnel who are properly trained to administer medications.
• Work with transportation to assure that school bus driver training includes symptom awareness and what to do if a reaction occurs.
• Enforce a “no eating” policy on school buses—with exception of special needs.
• Discuss field trips/retreats with family of allergic student to decide appropriate plan.
• Follow laws/regulations regarding sharing medical information. 

Student’s Responsibility

• Should not trade food with others
• Should not eat anything with unknown ingredients or that is known to contain any allergen.
• Should be proactive in the care and management of their food allergies and reactions.
• Should notify an adult immediately if he/she eats something believed to contain the food to which they are allergic.