Developing A School Food Allergy Plan
Food Allergies and Asthma affect more than the students afflicted with these health ailments. Just like bullying, a Food Allergy Plan must involve the entire school district. A truly effective school Food Allergy Plan begins by asking the right questions.
- How can we do more than the minimum voluntary guidelines to protect students with severe food allergies?
- How can we educate children in all grades about the severity of food allergies?
- How can we educate parents, caregivers, volunteers, substitutes, and staff about the severity of food allergies?
- How can we enable a compassionate future generation to be more understanding of people with health disabilities?
- How can we reduce food allergy related bullying?
- How can we improve response time to a severe reaction to food?
- How can we protect students when a teacher is not present?
- How can we provide a safe educational environment?
Proactive Food Allergy Plans
During the school year, children spend most of their day under the supervision of their school and teachers. Developing an allergy awareness safety program could be the difference between life or death to a child suffering from a severe allergic reaction. Educating children at an early age about food allergies and the symptoms associated increases compassion could save lives and play a vital role in preventing food allergy bullying.
INFORM
Frequently educate and involve the entire classroom in the discussion of the dangers of food allergies. IDENTIFY
The best method to teach children about food allergies is to identify their peers that have food allergies. Personalizing food allergy education can lead to long lasting empathy for individuals with special health needs. LEARN
Learn how to recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction to food or an Asthma attack. NOTIFY
Notify substitute teachers and support staff about a child's allergies. AVOID
Avoid using food as an incentive or in lesson plans. ELIMINATE
Eliminate from the classroom all non-food allergens from pet foods and art supplies. SPEAK
Speak with the child's parents about an allergy safety plan. DEVELOP
Develop a collective allergy safety plan with the parents, nurses, administrators and the child. SHARE
Encourage older students and staff share their personal experiences with food allergies and Asthma. |