Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Food Allergies in the Classroom

Our school is not peanut free - nor does it make the classrooms peanut free where there are children who are allergic. Snack for kindergarten are eaten at their seats - on the tables that they use for work. So - there is a higher risk for cross contamination if a parent is sending in crackers with peanut butter, even if my child isn't sitting with that child. The vice principal does not see this as a problem - and the teacher feels she can manage it in her classroom. My worry is that as time goes on - and there isn't a reaction, she will become complacent.

In our state, a food allergy could be considered a disability. And, under that disability they are required to make modifications that ensure the safety and needs of a child with disabilities that do not isolate the child. Wouldn't a reasonable modification be to make her classroom an allergy free place for her - and ask parents not to bring in peanut butter for snack? Ideally - shouldn't they also exclude milk and egg too?

What are everyone's thoughts on this?