policy

Mommies of Food Allergic Children ( M O F A C)

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policy

What is the impact of food allergies on schools?
Parents are faced with the reality that if their child has a severe food allergy the child is at greatest risk for a life threatening and potentially fatal allergic reaction at school. The only way to provide a safe and healthy learning environment for these children is for schools to partner with parents, tap into their knowledge and expertise and develop a comprehensive approach that will ensure the safety and health of each and every child with food allergies.
Every school district should expect at some point to have students with food allergies. Schools must be prepared to deal with food allergies and the potential for anaphylaxis.
Accidental ingestion of the offending allergen occurs most often at school.
A recent study from the journal, Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, states that 1 in 5 children with food allergies will have a reaction while in school.
The student with an undiagnosed food allergy may experience his/her first food allergy reaction at school.
When a physician assesses that a child’s food allergy may result in anaphylaxis the child’s condition meets the definition of “disability” and is covered under the Federal Americans with Disability Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and may be covered under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) if the allergy management affects the students ability to make educational progress.

PB & J ON CAMPUS

New York - Caring for Students with Life-Threatening Allergies
In 2007, Governor Eliot Spitzer signed into law the Allergy & Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007 (AAMA; A.4051), landmark legislation that will help protect New York schoolchildren who suffer from life-threatening food allergies. The new law requires the New York State Commissioner of Health to develop model state guidelines to manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis (a potentially fatal allergic reaction) in schools. All New York schools must receive the guidelines by June 30, 2008. Though the AAMA calls for schools to develop policies based on the guidelines, it provides flexibility for each school to create a policy consistent with its unique environment and culture.
The New York State Department of Health in consultation with the New York State Education Department, has developed model guidelines, "Caring for Students with Life-Threatening Allergies", which contains procedures and guidelines to assist school districts in the development and implementation of their local policy. This document is intended for guidance to be used by the Board of Education, Superintendents, and the building team, as well as the parent/guardian in providing a safe environment and reasonable care for students with life‐threatening allergies.
While this resource contains recommendations that represent best practice, the school district and health professionals must determine the appropriateness of care developed to each individual student in the unique situation in which they practice within the parameters of existing laws and regulation.
Contact your school district and urge them to consider an adopt the model guidelines! Find your school district here: www.nysed.gov/admin/admindex.html
[Full pdf document (55 pages)]

Anaphylaxis Resource Kit & Sabrina's Law Canada

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* All information on mommiesoffoodallergicchildren.com is for informational purposes only.
For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. This site is intended as a non-professional parental resource and is in no way intended to replace the advice, recommendations and treatments prescribed by your child's physician.

Food Allergy Action Plan: Schools, Camps, Babysitters etc