Mid-year check in? We hit the dentist every 6 months, get our eyes checked once or twice a year and do our monthly breast exams, but how about checking in on our child’s classroom to make sure our food allergy and/or asthma safety protocol is still intact and working? I usually like to pop in to my child’s classroom to volunteer and to check out how things are going. We, my hubby and I, check in formally with the teacher regarding food allergies and ask how things are going and if there is anything we can do or update. I also like to observe the classroom for the unexpected or for items that we take for granted. Such as, are the wipes for cleaning off the food allergen free lunch table still easily available? Has anyone taped in our emergency back-up snack supply (this has happened in the past) and forgot to inform us to replenish? Have any hand washing brands been changed? Anyone paying attention to the cold air or poor air quality asthma triggers since winter has settled in?
I thought I would share my down and dirty mid-year check up check list with you and ask if you have any other ideas to share with the rest of us about other items to remember to check out. From experience, when things are running well it is natural to relax a little and unfortunately, in our food allergic world, this can be dangerous. I have missed expiration dates on Epi Pens® in the past when I could have sworn they were all updated. Hence, how the a mid-year check in was created. I am a little later than usual this year since our winter break was extended this year.
Food allergy and Asthma mid-year check list for school:
[unordered_list style=”tick”]- Meet with teacher to review how to use Epi Pen® and rescue inhaler.
- Meet with teacher to review access to Epi Pen® and rescue inhaler including a double check of expiration dates.
- Meet with lunchroom staff or administration to confirm procedures in place and offer addition training or information.
- Meet with teacher to discuss up coming celebrations, field trips and projects.
- Remind teacher and administrator that cold air and poor air quality are asthma triggers.
- Ask administration for time to review food allergic reaction prevention with teachers and staff.
- Review hand-washing products (in public restrooms and in classroom).
- Review classroom and cafeteria cleaning products and procedures.
- Review spring project supplies, such as potting soil.
- If the classroom has a pet, re-read pet food labels.
- Review location and expiration dates of safe snacks and food stored in the classroom.
- Earnestly thank the teacher and recognize a job well done and bring in lunch or buy something for the classroom as a thank you.
I also make sure this is the time I express my gratitude to the teacher! Teachers do not become teachers to manage health challenges, they become teachers because they want to teach children. Our current health situation in this country has now forced our teachers to learn about managing disease within the classroom–something they did not sign up for! Thankfully, we provide them with tools and support so that even though they possibly had no interest in health, they are marching forward properly equiped. I truly try to encourage and support my teachers instead of complaining or asking for too much all at once as I do my best to provide solutions as we move through our school year.
I hope you’ll consider a mid-year check with your child’s teacher too and PLEASE share and add to our list of mid-year items to review!
Hope you are having a terrific day-[typography font=”Lobster” size=”18″ size_format=”px”]Caroline[/typography] [fbshare type=”button” float=”left”]
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..