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Open Chat About Back-to-School with Food Allergies

Hi, folks!
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Hi!
Hi.
Hello! Thanks for doing this tonight!
Thanks for joining us!
It is absolutely our pleasure!
Lotso, what food allergies do you manage?
Welcome! Tonight we will have a special guest joining us as well. Laurel Francoeur, JD, is an attorney and she will help answer questions related to laws or policies.
Hello!
Hi, Laurel!
We also have our community team here tonight to help answer questions.
@lotso - are you having issues?
I have two children with allergies. peanut and tree nut for both and the youngest has more, peas, raw egg, all seeds along with the peanut and tree nut.
Hi!
That's quite a list of "avoids!"
One technical tip is that if you need to pause the live stream of the chat to slow it down, there is a button that says "Stream On". Click that to pause the stream.
@Jereann, Hi!
Hi Jereann - I see you *just* joined KFA. Welcome to KFA and welcome to our chat.
Thank you
We will also be holding a random drawing at the end to select one chat participant to win a $25 gift card to Amazon.com.
So far, the odds are in your favor!
Who here has already started school? Who is starting after Labor Day?
we start school on Tuesday
We started Aug 17
We started on 8/29.
We were early birds -- in school for almost a month!
My kids started 8/22, but MD's governor has now mandated that school can't start until after Labor Day.
One of mine started school today.
One of mine started Monday, the other Aug 15
@Jen, can your guv talk to ours?
How are things going with your kids and schools?
what is so strange is i have more support from school than my in laws for food allergies!! What i have trouble with is field trips. We are to go to a baseball stadium in November....now there aren't any games but it makes me nervous! They can't clean it that good!
What will they being doing at the stadium?
Going well. We had to switch from the nut free table to the regular table.
lol. I am not sure how it's all going to work out bc he has also said school must end by 6/15. In order to meet the required number of days, spring break will all but disappear and other things will disappear too - conference days, etc
@Lotso, have you called the facility?
Going ok. My daughter hasn't been gluten sick yet this year (was first 8 weeks of last year) but they aren't very inclusive
There was nobody at the nut free table.
@allforjk - how is that working? any issues?
Lotso, our MLB stadium hosts peanut-free nights and what they do is powerwash the peanut-free section
@allforJK How has the switch gone? And what prompted the switch:
@jereann - how are they not inclusive? What do you wish they would do differently?
@allforjk ... How are you managing the regular table?
I wish they would include others who purchase school lunch to sit with my son at the nut free table. They assure us that all hot lunches are nut free.
Stadiums are hard. They have to comply with ADA but peanuts are so much part of the experience that they can claim removing them would be a fundamental alteration. You have to hope they make accommodations voluntarily
@allforjk, do they restrict it for just the kids managing allergies?
allfor - when my dd sat at the nut-free table, she was allowed to pick a friend who bought school lunch to sit with her.
We bought a SnackSafely backpack that folds into a place mat. And there is a lot of hand washing going on.
They don't have allergy friendly options at lunch. Every Friday is pizza and ice cream - both of which are an issue for her. I offered to get a microwave at school so that she could heat up homemade pizza and they said they wouldn't be able to keep people from using it, etc. Her teacher won't let me bake allergy friendly snacks for the whole class, and wants me to bring in something for her because she 'thinks it's good for my kid' to know that she needs to eat something different
i don't know really, i have been overwhelmed and just got wind they were going. I think walking through, walking on the field, and they did say they couold wipe down some of the places but never had a problem with food allergies. We have been to a game there and i have to say, that is the way to attend a game!
@allforJK, cool sounding backpack!
@jereann, have you spoken to the cafeteria director?
It works well, covers the table so he never has to touch the table.
@jereann - do you have a 504 plan for her?
Yes, she's the person that told me that getting a microwave wouldn't work because it would be used by others.
@Lotso, what are your options on the field trip?
I don't. Are 504
s effective at private schools?
@jereann do they participate in the federal lunch program?
not to go i guess.
No they don't. Private school.
Oh, private schools are different.
Yes, I spoke with the nurse, principal, teacher, and superintendent. Change may occur.
Many private schools get federal funding and therefore must comply with 504. Are they religious? If not, the ADA definitely applies @jereann
@jereann, Is there a microwave in a restricted area that she might use?
@allforJK, does your kiddo enjoy it better at the regular table? Does she sit at the end?
@allforjk it folds into a placemat? that is genius. I've been trying to come up with an easy way to have her table area be clean from crumbs
Another tip is to have a dedicated tray. Some of our moms use that.
I've seen different lunch systems that might work - some do have a placemat type thing, others are more self contained so you aren't setting things on the table.
He sits on an end.
@jereann, just want to make sure you saw Laurel's reply above: Many private schools get federal funding and therefore must comply with 504. Are they religious? If not, the ADA definitely applies @jereann
And he likes sitting with his friends instead of alone.
I've heard the tray working well especially for kids allergic to "spillables" like milk - it keeps it away from their food.
They are religious yes. Is it possible they still get federal funding?
ok, i am not good at these never been on this but this is what i have done since preschool. I go in and dress to the part of course wearing the top 8 allergens and discuss what a food allergy is and i bring goodies for the class. I offer up volunteering and whatever i ccan and yes i am a helicopter mommy!
ok, i am not good at these never been on this but this is what i have done since preschool. I go in and dress to the part of course wearing the top 8 allergens and discuss what a food allergy is and i bring goodies for the class.
@allforJK ... that's great!
@Lotso, love it!
You're not a helicopter mom -- you're a food allergy aware mom!
Education and a sense of humor is a great combo!
Yes. my son's religious school gets federal funding. You have to be a detective - do they get grants/scholarships?
Link is for the lunch bag.
Thanks!
@lfrancouer i'll have to look into that then. thanks
my son has his own desk at the end of the peanut free table. this year we are going to try to sit at the table on the end
Hi Wowie - welcome!
@allforjk thanks
Laurel, where's a good place to look?
That is a great option @lotso
grants.gov
Welcome, Wowie ~
@lotso, is your son looking forward to the change?
Many but not all are on the website. If there is no funding and religious, you may be out of luck.
Wowie
yes
How old are your kiddos, everyone?
6 & 9
14, 12, 9 and 5
4 and 19 months
8 and 10
Mine's a sophomore!
Mine is 16
@lotso - have you seen our "What's the Big Deal About Food Allergies" handout? http://www.kidswithfoodallergi...-food-allergies.aspx
Whats-Big-Deal-Food-Allergies-handout-thumbnail
How easy has it been to talk with the school staff about food allergies?
Mine w/ food allergies is in her second year of college! Yikes!
And it is TERRIFIC! I print it out every year for my school staff and teachers.
Kathy - where does she go to school?
Good. Our school district has an allergy committee that helps the superintendent make decisions about allergy policies. Parents, staff, and nurses are on the committee.
In some ways it's been easy because I've forced the issue - provided handouts, spoke with nurse, teachers...so the education is there. It's a resistance to changing the norms so that it's more inclusive. But it's a big improvement over last year.
allfor - that's great to hear. I wish ours had something similar
She's in Philadelphia at Temple - she transferred, so it's her first year there.
@allforJK @Jereann, good for you!
Both of mine just switched schools. We're still waiting to hear from 504 coordinator to make sure our existing plan moved over to the new school. I'm a little anxious...
i have been in this for 10 years and they are so good! Some of the teachers i get once in awhile are tric ky but i show them how to "party" in a different way. The school nurse and i will be working on a skit for the kids in oct
That's awesome @allforjk! Do you need any educational materials to give them?
I'm looking at colleges now. It's a lot to think about - how good is the food service? is there a hospital near by? etc.
@AllforJK - I love hearing that your school has an allergy committee!
@LFrancoeur!
We are looking for a short, impactful allergy video. Do you have a favorite?
Yeah, she's closer to a hospital now! LOL!
Any particular "subject"?
@allforJK how long is short?
@Jereann, glad to hear there is improvement, and big congrats to you for continuing to spread awareness and education about food allergies.
We have some videos w/ quotes that I think can make an impact or at least start a conversation.
@allforjk allergyhome.org has some good short videos. Also A Shot to Live is a good free one also
Hi Deanna!
Deanna!
@melkorey It has been so helpful for educating parents and staff members.
Who still has a 504 evaluation or meeting to go through?
Hi
Hi everyone! This is my first time trying this...and I joined late...so, I finally just got caught up! :-)
It takes a bit to get used to it!
Jump on in @wowie!
Welcome Deanna and Wowie! Please let us know how school is going for you so far (if your children have started).
Thanks, @lfrancoeur
Yes, I am overwhelmed...getting adjusted to picking up the conversation streams! ha!ha!ha!
Schools that participate in federal lunch program are required to have "wellness committees".many schools use those committees to make fa policies
If you need to "pause" the screen, just click the "Stream On" button
Thanks @melkorey
I have a kindergartener starting next Tuesday with a peanut and tree but allergy so this is somewhat new to me
My daughter starts on Tuesday, while my son starts Pre-K on the 12th.
@Deanna what plans do you have in place? What concerns?
my daughter has egg and tree nut allergy, while my son has egg, tree nut, peanut and dairy allergy
We also have a handout w/ ideas for non-food treats - http://www.kidswithfoodallergi...afts-activities.aspx It's a good one to share w/ teachers who might be reluctant. This gives a lot of ideas.
crafts-activities
I would recommend starting with our 10 Tips guide: http://www.kidswithfoodallergi...ips-for-parents.aspx
@Wowie, how old is your DD, and what prep have you done for your son?
👍 to non food treats!
He has an epipen at school and with the after school program. I'm still a little uncertain how lunchtime will go. That stresse me a little
not sure yet what to do with my son...he has autism
@kathyp that handout is amazingly helpful especially for preschoolers
with my daughter it was easy because she was aware of her food allergies as early as 2, and would not take food from anyone.
how do i get the sheet you posted?
@wowie, we have several members here who are in your shoes -- and they make it work.
Knows to ask first if food is safe for her when offered.
I think with my son, I'll have to rely a lot on the teacher and aides really helping me out.
@lotso, you can click on the link.
They were good with my daughter.
wowie - is your son verbal? Does he wear a medicalert bracelet?
Kathy, I think the wrong images keep attaching.
@ lotso for the preschool ingredients guide, go here: http://www.kidswithfoodallergi...afts-activities.aspx
We have a great school resource zone.
My son has autism and just started kindergarten. He doesn't have fa's, but I can see where that could be a big concern for you.
Yes, my son is verbal...may not be enunciating very clearly yet, but he is getting there.
If any of you have any trouble with the links, let me know, and I will PM you after the chat with the links.
If he has a medicalert bracelet, he could use that to help communicate to his teachers and classmates.
Is he good about avoiding his allergens outside of school situations? Did he do any sort of preschool?
I'll look into the medicalert bracelet. Thanks!
each year i type up lists for all holidays and birthday items and give in a folder to teacher before school starts we hav a meeting
@wowie - just trying to brainstorm what I cn b/w having one w fa's and another with autism
@Lotso, for parties?
@wowie - what are you most concerned with when it comes to your son, school and fa's?
Yes, he went to daycare but he's not really been exposed to allergens. We've kinda protected him from exposure. He knows though to ask first. But whether he really understands what's bad for him, I don't think he gets that yet.
what's fa's?
Does he do well w picture communication? Will he be getting speech services at school?
food allergies
@Wowie, fa's = food allergies
OH...you can tell I'm really new here.
yes, school and fa's
C'mon in! We'll teach you all the lingo!
No worries. After the chat, spend some time on our forums and we'll get you up to speed.
We love newbies! We don't bite.
@Lotso, what sorts of lists do you make? I'm not sure I understood.
No worries - we have a cheat sheet w/ our lingo! http://community.kidswithfooda...s-used-on-our-forums
the teacher did say that they can have a table for kids with allergies, but I don't know yet what the other kids are allergic to and whether or not there'll be anything that's not safe for my son.
@wowie - I think the speech pathologist and even the OT (if he receives OT services) could be good resources for you and your son
thanks for the cheat sheet!
That can get complicated if the food avoids are different.
our school nurse fund is looking into purchasing medical alert bracelets for all kids with food allergies!! Your school s
a better place to search for grants is usaspending.gov
@lotso - that's awesome!
@Lotso, that's terrific!
@lfrancoeur, thanks!
Thanks, Laurel!
@lfrancoeur, is it a searchable database?
he will go to a typical kids class in the morning and to an autistic support class in the afternoon. I'll speak to the speech pathologist and OT.
Yes
@jereann, is your classroom typically food free?
@lotso - that's interesting that the school is going to get medical ids.
@wowie - I would see if communication and self care related to fa's can be incorporated into his iep goals. If you don't have an iep meeting scheduled soon, you can always request some changes and have an addendum done.
I would think the ID's would be a problem with privacy and FERPA if a family did not want to identify
each family would be asked
@lrancoeur, maybe it's an opt-out type program? Our Hemophilia advocacy group offers to pay for ours, but it's not mandatory.
That I was thinking too Laurel....
How do you handle Epi pens?
oour school is getting epi pens stocked!!!!
@jen - I never thought of having that discussion included in the IEP. We just had one last May. Thanks for the advise! He's been in a protected environment thus far, so didn't really think about it.
Yes it would have to be voluntary and done in a way so that other kids/parents wouldn't know who was on the list
I just wanted to share/remind that we have great resources for school lunches as well - if you need help navigating school-served lunches, let us know. If you need ideas for packing school lunches, we can help with that as well.
@lotso, you'll still send an Epi auto injector with your kiddo?
And yes, we have a great "thread" on our forums called "What's In Your Lunchbox?"
@wowie - we have some community members whose kids have autism. After the chat, I would suggest starting a new post on our forums. You should get some great input and support from them. The more ideas, the better.
DD sometimes uses a thermos since she doesn't have access to a microwave.
@jen - thanks!
do your kids have their epipens with them at all times? At my kids' schools, they require one with the nurse, but I still put one in their backpacks for my assurance.
I make any list they need. teachere hands oout
Mine has self-carried for years.
@k8smom2002 no the classroom is not food free. they have snack daily in the class
We have a blog post about when kids are ready to self-carry -- even if they aren't ready to self-administer.
k8smom2002 - how old is your kid?
mine are 6 and 4.
yes, my boys carry epi
@jereann, how do you handle that?
@wowie - the OT is there to help your child adjust to school and handle the demands of the school day. Since navigating food allergies is a huge part of his life, that is something the OT should definitely help him do. The speech therapist should help him with communication related to food allergies.
Every state has its own laws and regs about where epis are kept.
@wowie, mine is 15, but she has carried since she was in early middle school.
@lfrancoeur, that is true.
My daughter is 14. She also started self carrying in middle school.
We have a fun series of allergy-friendly lunchbox menus - you are sure to find some new ideas! We have peanut-free, egg-free, dairy-free, and milk-free - this is the peanut-free, but the others are linked at the bottom.
lunch-box-tw
@jen - I can't believe I didn't think about these things. My son has not been taught what to do if he has an allergic reaction.
The teacher has the kids wash their hands after snack time and wipes the tables down right after snack is done. They have her sitting at a table with one other child so that she's not totally isolated and she understands not to share snacks. So far so good.
@wowie, it's hard to think of everything.
@kathyp - thanks! That lunchbox looks cool!
@jereann, that's a relief. Great teacher!
@wowie - in his case, he is still young enough that I would worry less about him knowing what to do. It is more important for his teachers and support staff to know what to do
@jen - yes, I really have been relying on his teachers and support staff thus far, and we've been very blessed that all of them have been good and VERY supportive. I can leave him with them with peace of mind.
Does anyone have any questions about 504s and IHCPs (individualized health care plans)?
Yes, definitely. Last year was rough, so much better so far. Class celebrations are another issue though - she'd rather keep my daughter separate, which I'm trying to work through.
@wowie - some things to consider discussing with teachers/aides/therapists - teaching him to only accept food from home, teaching him to communicate to others about his allergies, using pictures to help him identify what is ok to eat and what is not (ie, lunch from home v a snack his classmate hands him)
That lunchbox is a lock and lock container that has individual partitions. My dd used to use it for packing salad and "sides".
@jereann, that is tough -- especially for little kids who have very tender feelings!
one thing to talk about is how to clean table
exacty
@lotso, what's the current procedure on table cleaning?
@jen - yes, indeed. thanks for your advice.
yes @lotso cleaning the table properly is key. wet ones are gluten removing, i believe protein removing too
they have a similar cost to hand sanitizer, so when the school realized that they made the switch in our classroom
are wet ones also dairy removing, egg removing and nuts removing?
@jereann, I believe you are right. Who supplies the wipes?
@wowie, I'm not sure, but that's a good question to ask our moms who manage egg and dairy allergies.
the school does now. took a meeting with the principal and a cost comparison before they agreed. had to remind nurse to order them again this year but she did.
We'll be wrapping up at the top of the hour, but I want to make sure to share some things before the end.
I'm not 100% sure about egg @wowie
I can't believe the hour has flown by!
You are very welcome. I've been there with fa's and school for years now. I am trying to combine that experience with the experience I have raising my son w autism. I am happy to help brainstorm.
I've been using it but haven't thought to double check. I'll research.
I want to thank everyone for participating tonight, and thanks to Laurel Francoeur for providing assistance with legal questions.
Also, while you continue chatting,
Thanks, everyone! this has been very helpful!
The forums are a great place to ask more questions ...
having trouble
I'll be doing a random drawing for our gift card winner!
Thank you! This was great
Having trouble?
@Lotso?
I've assigned everyone a number and am randomly drawing via random.org
Please feel free to continue the conversation on our forums.
Here is a link to our school age kids forum - http://community.kidswithfooda...l_and_food_allergies
Drumroll...
thanks
LOTSO - you have won our $25 gift card to Amazon.com
Woo hoo! congrats!
@jen - how can I get in touch with you?
But WE have won the great time with you guys tonight!
k8smom2002 will be in touch with you, lotso, to get your contact information for the prize
If that's OK, I'd like to use you as a resource for my son.
@wowie - I will send you a pm
two last things about epis - make sure your kid can leave class any time he/she thinks he/she is having a reaction and make sure kid never goes to nurse by himself/herself
@jen - thank you very much!
they use a spray and wipe with two different clothes
Great tip Laurel! So important!
@Lfrancoeur, yes!
Thanks, Laurel!
Thank you, guys, for joining in, and please join us on the forums! They're there 24/7.
And I do believe our chat automatically closes, so if you need anything else, please post on our forums at https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/forums or email us at support@aafa.org
Thank you, everyone!
Please do continue any discussion over on the forums - you can always get help and support there! https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/forums
@lotso, I will PM you.
Good luck everyone! KFA has some awesome resources! There is a webinar I did on school accommodations and the laws that is on their site.
@Lfrancoeur
This chat has ended.
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