Managing food allergies in the preschool classroom

     Managing food allergies isn't always a piece of pie

The preschool years are filled with fun, exciting new milestones that any parent is pleased to go through.  Unfortunately, dealing with food allergies isn't one of them.

Many children have food allergies, some of the most common including nut and dairy products.  Allergies can range from mild to severe and the reactions vary.

For parents who have children with food allergies, choosing a preschool is even harder to do.  Here are some great things to look for in your child's preschool to ensure that they will handle your child's food allergy properly.

1.  Many preschools have adopted a 'nut-free' policy throughout the school.  This means that no snacks are served that contain peanuts or have been made on a peanut line.  Snacks tend to include fresh fruits, veggies, and crackers.  Tip:  When checking to make sure a snack is peanut free, check the label near the nutrition information.  The item will say if the product has been made in a facility with nuts.

2.  Be sure to talk to the preschool about your child's food allergy.  Make a plan that includes what the teacher will do in case of an emergency and what signs to look for.  Make sure that someone in the building knows how to adminster an Epi-Pen correctly, if needed.  Also be sure that the preschool will call you if your child comes into contact with a food they are allergic to.

3.  Holidays and birthday parties are frequent in preschool classrooms, so make sure that your child has some extra snacks on hand for these days.  Many preschools will be happy to store Popsicles, frozen yogurt, or nut-free cookies brought from home.

4.  Request a menu that lists what your preschooler will be having for snacks or lunch.  Check to make sure that all of the provided foods are okay to eat, and if they are not, provide a snack for your preschooler that day.  Tip:  Occassionally preschools will substitute items on the menu, so packing an extra snack never hurts.

5.  Make sure that your preschooler is aware of his or her food allergy.  It's not uncommon for kids to share at this age, and this is an easy way for kids to get foods that they're allergic to without anyone knowing.  Helping your child to recognize which foods are safe helps him or her gain more control over his or her allergy.

6.  Don't be afraid to label your preschooler's gear.  There are lots of versatile labels out there, including ID bracelets, bands, and stickers.  These labels indicate your child's name and what food they're allergic to.  It's a great reminder - especially if someone different steps in the classroom to help out.