|
Before the school year begins, meet with the school nurse and teacher to discuss celiac disease and your child's needs while in school. Bring useful pamphlets or books with you to the meeting.
|
|
Work as a team to create a safe academic, social, and emotional environment for your child. Make sure the school staff does not define your child by his/her diet.
|
|
Although it may be easier to explain celiac disease in terms of an allergy, remind staff it is not truly an allergy and eating gluten will not cause a life-threatening reaction.
|
|
Focus on areas where food is a part of your child's day: snacks, lunch, and special events such as parties. Food may also be part of the curriculum. For example, art projects may use macaroni as a material, and studying other cultures may include tasting of ethnic foods.
|
|
Ask how information about your child's needs will be communicated to classroom aides and substitute teachers.
|
|
Offer to educate classmates and their families about celiac disease.
|
|
Provide a container of gluten-free treats for your child to be kept in the classroom and store a few gluten-free cupcakes in a school freezer for the unexpected birthday celebration.
|
|
Ask if you may send a letter to parents of classmates requesting notification if they are sending a treat into school so that you can provide a safe, gluten-free equivalent treat for your child.
|
|
Meet with the director of food services and cafeteria manager to determine what, if any, menu items might be safe for your child to eat. Research all ingredients and preparation of meals with the staff. Ask for a copy of the monthly menu and identify any gluten-free options for your child. This effort is worthwhile, even if your child may partake of the cafeteria food on a limited basis, for example, a drink, a piece of fruit, or a bag of safe chips.
|
