Daycare Center

When your child has food allergies, it's essential that their daycare center understands exactly how severe these allergies can be. According to the American Disabilities Association, food allergies are classified as a disability, and your daycare center must accommodate your child's needs when it comes to their allergy.

First, you'll want to have a written food allergy plan prepared for your child. Outline your child's allergy in detail, as well as the type of reaction your child has when they're exposed to their allergen. Discuss the precautions that need to be taken in order to keep your child safe, and have a plan for what to do in the event that your child is exposed to an allergen.

Next, you'll want to schedule a meeting with all the adults who will interact with your child. Lay out your food allergy plan. If your child is old enough, it may make sense to have them take part in the meeting, so they can understand the precautions that will be taken to keep them safe. Your child can also discuss what they'll do in the event that they think they may be having a reaction (if they're not able to communicate well during a reaction, you may want to develop a signal they can give an adult that they need help).

When you leave your child in the care of a daycare center, you're trusting that they're well-educated in all aspects of caring for children. Sadly, many child care organizations are not fully prepared to handle a food allergy crisis. At Elijah-Alavi Foundation, our non-profit, we're working tirelessly to ensure that all educators, daycare center workers, and others who care for children understand the importance of acting immediately and taking appropriate action when a child is exposed to a food allergen. Reach out to us to learn more about our non-profit efforts, as well as to get information on how you can help our cause.

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