You can take every precaution at home. You can practice every scenario that may occur outside of the safety of your own kitchen. Still, as a parent of a child with severe food allergies, you know the worries that arise every time your child steps into the world. The thought of classroom parties, lunchroom sharing, even the possibility of food particles being left on a pencil or desk that your child uses, can feel overwhelming.
But, you can take heart in knowing that you are not alone in this journey!
According to the National Institutes of Health and the Center for Disease Control, the number of children impacted by severe food allergies is on a steady rise. Fortunately, school faculty are well-trained, highly vigilant, and fully committed to ensuring the safety of their students with severe food allergies throughout the school day.
With faculty awareness and various treatment plans available, you can feel assured knowing your child is in capable and caring hands. However, one question still remains: Which plan is best for my child?
Let’s break down two of the most common options: a 504 plan and an Individualized Health Plan (IHP/IHCP)
504 Plan
A 504 plan will typically carry with it more safeguards than an IHP. It is legally binding and comes with the protection of due process if your child’s plan is not followed correctly. In addition, a 504 plan will provide your child with specific accommodations that may not necessarily be included in an IHP.
To qualify for a 504 though, your child’s allergy must be considered a disability or impairment that “substantially limits” a select set of life activities as determined by the 504 documentation (in the case of severe food allergies, breathing and/or eating would be substantially impacted).
General Steps To Obtaining a Health-Related 504
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Notify the school administration and 504 coordinator of your child’s allergies
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Request a 504 eligibility meeting in writing (email is best, as this creates a paper trail that you can easily refer back to)
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The school will then invite you (in writing) to attend an eligibility meeting. The invitation will include procedural safeguards, meeting agenda, and possibly a questionnaire to complete prior to the meeting date.
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Gather necessary documentation, such as:
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medical records
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a doctor-created Emergency Care Plan (ECP), which is an action plan created by your child’s medical provider that outlines exactly which steps to take should your child be exposed to their allergen
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a letter from your child’s doctor stating the severity of their allergy
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Any completed forms or documentation that the school has provided you prior to the meeting
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questions, concerns, or potential accommodation recommendations.
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Attend the eligibility meeting to ensure all necessary information is discussed
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Once your child is found eligible, the team will create a plan that suits your child’s unique needs
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Be sure that your child’s plan includes an Emergency Care Plan (ECP), which is created by your child’s doctor and states the steps that must be take, should they be exposed to their allergen
Individual Health Plan (IHP/IHCP)
IHP’s are typically created by you, your child’s school nurse, and your child’s medical providers. Their focus mainly revolves around preventative and emergency care. This plan may be best if your child’s school already has a number of strong and well-enforced safety precautions. If you are not confident that future schools (middle, high, etc.) will strictly enforce similar precautions though, you may want to opt for the legally binding safety of a 504 plan instead.
It is important to note that a child may qualify for a 504 with IHP modifications embedded in it, but not all children with an IHP qualify for a 504.
General Steps to Obtaining an IHP
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Notify the school administration and the school nurse of your child’s allergies
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Complete and submit the required documentation
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Once completed and submitted, the school will invite you in for a meeting to determine eligibility and plan options
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As a team, create a plan that suits your child’s unique needs (like a 504 plan, this typically will include an ECP)
While both 504 plans and IHP/IHCPs are generally reviewed annually, you can request a meeting to discuss modifications at any time.
Important Questions to Ask
Regardless of the plan that you choose, be sure to find out:
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Contact information for treatment team members
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Names of faculty trained in food safety and allergy response
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Details about faculty and staff training procedures
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Location and access protocol to your child’s medical instruments (such as EpiPens)
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Safety measures across various school settings (such as during specials, lunch, recess, etc.)
Empower Your Child
After the treatment plan is finalized, you may find it helpful to talk with your child about:
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Signs of an allergic reaction
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How to read (or how to request a reading of) ingredient labels and to identify potential allergens
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Location of their medical instruments (such as EpiPens) in the school
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If safe snacks are to be kept in the school, where they can be found, and how to ensure that they are isolated from any potential allergens
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Proper hand washing and food safety practices when in the across settings in the school environment
Ensuring your child’s safety at school may feel daunting, but with careful planning, communication, and education, you can trust that your child is in good hands.
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Dr. Kat McGrady, EdD, LCPC, NCC, a licensed clinical professional counselor, nationally certified counselor, and author of Navigating Your Child’s Unique Mental & Physical Needs: A Parent’s Guide to School Support, has created a must-read resource for parents navigating these challenges.
