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Daycare Dangers

Protecting Your Food Allergic Child Away From Home

By Donna Stone

Finding qualified caregivers for your child can be daunting enough for any parent, but if your child has food allergies, the task can seem overwhelming.

Diane's son, Tyler, has severe allergies. "Tyler has a history of anaphylaxis to numerous foods," she says. "He has experienced anaphylaxis from residues of peanuts, so his allergies are very severe." Diane began her search for a safe daycare for Tyler about a year before he would be attending it.

"Before interviewing schools, it is important to have a very detailed emergency management plan and safety protocol outlined, so the school administration can review it," says Diane. "This will help them determine whether or not they can manage the situation."

Lynda, a co-moderator of an e-mail support list, Parents of Food Allergic Kids (POFAK), agrees. "Plans will need to be outlined, and staff will need training to manage food allergies in the classroom as well as to learn how to respond to an allergic reaction if one were to occur."

The Emergency Plan Emergency plans should include written instructions detailing the signs of an allergic reaction and the steps to take in the event of an allergic emergency. Treatment plans should be developed and outlined with your doctor. Provide the caregivers clear written instructions on the medications to give and the order in which to administer them. All staff should be trained how to recognize an emergency and know when to administer medications. Medications should be kept in an unlocked cabinet out of reach of children, but easily accessible to adults. Parents may want to provide two Epi-pens in case one malfunctions.

"Look for a school that either has familiarity with dealing with food allergies or is comfortable and serious about taking on the challenge of managing food allergies in the classroom," says Lynda.

Ask yourself these questions to see if you would feel comfortable with their approach in managing your child's food allergies:

Want to see more?

• Toddler Nutrition: Building a Healthy Relationship With Food
• When Milk Doesn't Do a Body Good
• Fatal Food: When Your Child Has a Peanut Allergy
• Food Allergy Discussion Board