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Allergy Management Guidelines

The prevalence of severe allergies in the school setting is rising and can be life threatening. Using a multidisciplinary approach to care can minimize the risk of accidental exposure. This team collaboration between parents, physicians and key staff members will help to provide a safer educational environment for students with severe allergies.

Responsibilities of the Parent:
Parents of students with severe allergies are at the center of developing a successful plan that works for their child.

  • Empower the student. Educate your child about:
    • Their allergens and symptoms of anaphylaxis
    • Importance of hand washing before and after eating
    • Strategies to avoid allergens (i.e. not sharing food, moving away from people eating the allergen, putting down a barrier at the lunch table etc.)
    • How and when to tell an adult that they are having an allergy related problem
  • Annual Forms:
    • Complete online emergency health information
    • Meet with your physician to create an Allergy Action Plan. This needs to be submitted annually before the start of school.
  • Medications: (School Day, After School Activities, Athletics)
    • Provide emergency medications prescribed by your child's health care provider BEFORE the first day of school. For Athletics, the trainers will need them prior to the first practice. Allergy Action Plan must accompany all emergency medications.
    • If your child participates in any after school activities, an additional EpiPen will need to be provided.
    • Check expiration of medication before bringing to school and keep up-to-date.
    • Medication provided by parents will be carried on field trips and available during the school day. Stock EpiPens DO NOT travel on field trips.
    • If the student self carries their EpiPen, the student/parent is responsible for making sure that the student has it for field trips, athletic and after school activities.
  • Contact to be made before the start of school:
    • Health Care Coordinator: Collaborate with the school nurse to help implement the emergency plan in the school.
    • Athletic Trainers: Before first athletic practice.
  • During the course of the school year, please communicate any changes in your child's health or medication to the school nurse.

Responsibilities of the Student:
The goal is for the student to be empowered to manage his/her severe allergy based on the developmental level of the student.

  • Student will be responsible by:
    • Not sharing food.
    • Reading posted allergen labels and warning signs, if age appropriate.
    • Not eating foods with unknown ingredients or known to contain an allergen.
    • Being aware of the allergen exposure risks (cafeteria, buses, playground etc.)
    • Washing hands before and after eating.
    • Advocating for themselves. Notifying an adult as soon as exposure and/or symptoms occur.
    • Notifying an adult of any unkindness related to the allergy.