Planning for Preschool: A Parent’s Guide

Preparing your child for preschool should be a rewarding and exciting time.  However, families of children who have food allergies often find this time stressful.  With proper planning, education, and a supportive team, the risk for students at this age can be reduced. 

Download FAACT\'s \'Planning for School: A Parent/Caregiver Guide\'.

Download FAACT\'s \'Communicating with School Personnel: Parent/Caregiver Checklist\'.

Preparation

Preparation should begin well in advance of the child entering a daycare center, or preschool, and parents should do their homework, when looking into both private, and public schools.

• Research several preschools for food allergy management policies or guidelines. Compare these policies and/or guidelines with other guidelines, such as the CDC’s Voluntary Guidelines for Managing Food Allergy found in the Education Resource Center.
• Research the preschool’s environment:
• Visit the preschool’s website
• Talk to your neighbors
• Go to community functions and ask other parents their input
• Participate in any “open house” events
• Schedule a tour of the school
• When visiting centers or schools, be sure to ask questions and keep notes to compare with other schools.
  • Parents may refer their child to be evaluated for a [Section 504 plan]* or [Individual Education Plan (IEP)].  For instructions on how to refer your child for a Section 504 Plan or an IEP, visit the [Civil Rights Advocacy] page.
• Call the preschool to set up a meeting.  Ideally, if your child is entering the preschool age, contacting the preschool at least 1-2 years prior, as there is possibly a wait list.
• Does the school participate in a federally funded program?
• In choosing a preschool capable of accommodating your child’s needs, look for knowledge and practices among caregivers that includes¹:
  • A general awareness of food allergies
  • Constant diligence in the management of food-allergic students
  • Careful label reading habits
  • Avoidance measures of offending foods, arts and crafts containing allergens, etc.
  • Procedures for preventing of cross-contact
  • A protocol for enacting emergency procedures
  • Confidence in administering epinephrine appropriately
  • Previous and ongoing training on food allergy management for caregivers

Discussion Topics

In addition to the discussion topics found in “Planning for School: A Parent/Caregiver Guide”, discussion topics and other considerations in choosing a preschool or daycare should include:

• Training: What type of food allergy training is provided to staff, and how often? Is there a school or RN on site? Who delivers the training? Are staff trained on recognizing the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and how to administer epinephrine?

• Medications: Where are emergency medications stored?  Who will be administering medications? How are medications transported throughout the day (to the playground, lunchroom, etc.)?  Do children self-carry their medications?

• Shared space: Private schools sometimes share space with a church. In this case, be sure to ask about activities that may take place when school is not in, and what measures are taken to ensure a safe and clean environment for when the child returns.

• Meal Plans: Some private schools require student’s to eat from a meal plan provided by the school.  Are there exceptions for food allergic students? Can a meeting be arranged between parents and any meal service providers/catering companies to discuss the needs of food allergic students?

• Safe snacks: Where will “safe snacks” for food allergic students be stored?  Is there a “no-nut” policy in place; and if so, how is it enforced? Is there a notification process for food being brought into the classroom?

• Special Events: How are class parties and special events handled? Are any PTA/PTO members trained on food allergies? How are field trips handled for food allergic students? How does the school work with non-food allergic parents to ensure a safe classroom/environment for food allergic students (letters, presentations, email blasts, etc.)?

• Cleaning Methods: Children this age tend to constantly place their hands in their mouth, and some children will chew on toys or bed-rails. How often are toys and surfaces cleaned, and by what method? Is there a hand-washing procedure upon arrival to school and after meal/snack times?

• Food Storage: Is there an area where bottles (non-milk) and food (allergy-friendly) will be stored, to avoid confusion among caregivers during hectic feeding times?

• Food Sharing: What are the centers policies on food sharing?  Seat placement during meal and snack times?  Will there be designated staff member overseeing food allergic students?