Classroom Safety for the Allergic Child

10 Nov Classroom Safety for the Allergic Child

There are many potential dangers for the allergic child in any classroom.

1. If at all possible, keep all foods outside of the classroom. If not, designate a space spot for the allergic child to eat and be sure to clean off all surfaces after meals and snacks.
2. Restrict the allergen from the room if this is possible. Many schools will create nut-free rooms or zones. Allergies such as milk or wheat may be more of a challenge to eliminate, however.
3. Create safe ways to celebrate birthdays and celebrations.   If allergies are an issue in your classroom, consider non-food rewards. Toys and homework passes are easy, fun and safe ways to celebrate.
4. If there are communal snacks or food for sharing, ensure that everyone is aware of allergies and precautions are considered.
5. There are many allergens lurking in arts and crafts projects. For example, many crayons contain soy, chalk could have milk proteins, bird feeders often have nuts or seeds, and Play-Doh contains wheat. Learn more about the students and potential allergens that are common in classroom settings.
6. If there are pets in the classroom, inquire about pet allergies. Typically, pets with furs or feathers such as: hamsters, cats, and birds can be problematic. In addition, read pet food labels. Many of these foods contain nuts and eggs.
7. Avoid using reused food containers. An empty egg or milk carton could still pose a risk to an allergic child.
8. Is there a designated spot for snacks and meals in the classroom? Is there potential for cross-contamination? Be sure to keep an allergic child’s food separate from others.
9. Ensure proper hand washing/table washing after eating.
10.    Be sure to never let an allergic child share a musical instrument with others or anything else where saliva has the potential to be shared.