Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Information

Protocol for Response to Food Allergies

1. Every student with a written food allergy history that includes medication (ie. Benadryl or EpiPen) must have an Emergency Care Plan developed with the parents, the physician and the nurse, including the prescribed orders. All teachers who work with the student will be provided with the necessary elements of the plan, including information on the medications required. At Todd Elementary School, the plan will include parent preferences for "peanut/treenut free" cafeteria tables. In the Todd cafeteria there will be clearly labeled "peanut/treenut-free" tables. Classrooms that serve students with peanut/treenut or other food allergies must be clearly labeled as such. A process for providing this information to substitutes will be in place.
2. If a student has a Care Plan for a food allergy at Todd School, the classroom must be free of  that allergen.  If there are birthday or other celebrations at Todd School, parents of students with allergies should make "snack and celebratory food" available in the nurse's office freezer. By middle school, students are more prepared to take charge of their food intake. By high school, students should be fully prepared to control food intake independently. Food brought from outside should be in original containers and clearly labeled with the ingredients. Home cooked or baked food should be labeled with the ingredients so the students can make correct choices. All cafeteria food should be labeled as well. Any severely allergic student should only eat food brought from home.
3. In all schools, parents and nurses will be notified of celebrations in schools that include food. Teachers will inform parents and nurses when food is used for celebrations or curriculum-based programs in the classroom. A list of ingredients must be posted with each food that will be served.
4. A standard letter will be sent home by the nurse at Todd to all parents of students in classrooms that serve students with food allergies, informing them of the prohibited foods and ingredients. 
5. Field trips at Todd and the Middle School should be discussed with the family of the food-allergic child to decide appropriate strategies for managing the food allergy on the trip. Food should be provided by the parent for the field trip unless otherwise determined. Middle and high school students should be responsible for carrying EpiPens on field trips. Todd personnel will carry the medical equipment required by the care plan, including EpiPens. 
6. Each year the school nurse will provide a presentation on symptoms of anaphylactic shock to all staff, including information on recognition of symptoms and appropriate responses. It is important to note that anyone at any time can experience anaphylaxis. Basic instruction in the use of the EpiPen will be included in the training process.
7. At Todd School, any student sent to the nurse's office must be accompanied by another student, or an adult if there is a known allergy situation or medical condition. At the middle and high school, students with minor issues may come independently to the nurse without escort. A student with a known allergy or other medical condition must be accompanied by an adult.
8. In most situations, the child should be sent to the nurse accompanied by an adult, but should there be a serious symptom of concern to the teacher, the nurse should be called immediately to the classroom with a signal of emergency situation. In this instance, 911 should be dialed immediately as well.
9. We advise parents of students with severe food allergies to provide a one day supply of safe food from home in case the food at school is not safe during an emergency. 
10. Federal/State/District laws and regulations will be followed regarding the sharing of medical information about the student.