Life-threatening allergy management in school requires a team effort from the student, parent/guardian, healthcare provider, school nurse and school staff. As a result, the risk of severe allergy reactions in the school setting can be reduced, and a safer educational environment can be provided for students with life-threatening allergies.
Responsibilities
Parent/Guardian
- Inform the school nurse/school administrator of your child’s allergies before school starts or as soon as the diagnosis is made.
- Provide written medical documentation, instructions, and medications, as directed by a physician, to the school nurse each school year. All food allergies must be verified by documentation from a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
- Provide properly labeled medications each school year and replace medications after use or upon expiration.
- Work with the school team to develop an individual plan that accommodates the child during school.
- Provide age appropriate education to your child in the self management of his/her allergies. It is important that students take more responsibility for their food allergies as they grow older and are developmentally ready to accept responsibility.
- Provide accurate emergency contact information and update as necessary.
- Notify the school nurse or designee of any change in your child’s allergy status or if any reaction occurs outside of school.
- Provide all supplies and equipment necessary for implementing your child’s Life-Threatening Allergy Management Plan (LAMP). Replenish supplies as needed.
- Consider a medical alert bracelet for your child.
Student
- Learn to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction and notify school staff immediately if a reaction is suspected or they believe they may have come in contact with their allergen.
- Take as much responsibility as possible to prevent an exposure to allergens based on their developmental level.
- Do not trade or share food with others.
- Understand the care and management of their allergies and reactions based on their developmental level.
- Wash hands before and after eating food/snacks.
- Know where the Epi-pen /Twinject is located and who has access to medication.
- Report teasing, bullying and threats to school personnel.
- Understand school policy and procedure to self-carry epinephrine auto-injector, if appropriate.
- Self-advocate in situations that they perceive as compromising their health.
Healthcare Provider
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