Introduction

This document will provide guidelines for Fox C-6 parents and school district staff regarding food allergies in order to develop appropriate procedures to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to those foods which can be life-threatening or cause anaphylactic reactions for students in our buildings.

The Fox C-6 School District seeks to set age-appropriate guidelines for students and schools that minimize the risk for children with life-threatening food allergies.  These guidelines include building-based general medical emergency plans, sample

Individual Healthcare Plans for students diagnosed with a life-threatening food allergy, training of staff, availability of on-site medical equipment for quick response to life-threatening allergic reactions, and such other guidelines to allow students with life-threatening allergies to participate fully in school activities.

It is the expectation that specific building-based guidelines/actions will take into account the health needs and well-being of all children without discrimination or isolation of any child. Open and informative communication is necessary for the creation of an environment with reduced risks for all students and their families. Recognizing that it is not possible to eliminate all possible exposures, these guidelines also encourage age-appropriate student education and self-advocacy.  In order to assist children with severe allergies to assume more individual responsibility for maintaining their safety, responsibility for implementing plans may shift as children  advance through the elementary grades and through secondary school.

Purpose

The purpose of these guidelines is to minimize the risk of exposure to food allergens that pose a threat to Fox C-6 School District students; to educate school staff about their responsibilities in the event of an allergic reaction, and to educate the school community about life-threatening food allergies.   Each Fox C-6 School District  school will:

1. Maintain a building-based general Medical Emergency  Plan that includes a Life-Threatening Allergy  Medical Emergency Plan.
2. Develop and implement an Individual Healthcare  Plan (IHP) for students with severe allergies, based on medical documentation as appropriate for individual student needs and circumstances and consistent with applicable law.
3. Implement annual life-threatening allergy and epinephrine auto-injector training for appropriate staff.
4. Monitor the use of food during the school day, as appropriate, at the individual school building level based on student needs.

The full Food Allergy Awareness Protocol can be accessed here.

Final Note

It is impossible to create a peanut-free or allergen-free environment. To create the illusion that the school environment is free of allergens would be misleading and potentially harmful. Instead, this protocol has been designed to increase awareness and communication, to prevent possible exposure to identified allergens, and to create an emergency procedure for allergic reactions.