ABC Preschool

Preschool Allergy and Emergency Checklist

Preschool Allergy and Emergency Checklist

• Every child with a life-threatening food allergy should have an Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) that spells out how to avoid exposures to their food allergens and manage food-allergy emergencies at school

• Every school with a child at risk for anaphylaxis should have a full-time school nurse or licensed teachers who are responsible for overseeing the development of the IHCP for each student diagnosed with a life-threatening allergic condition

• Each classroom/school office should have documentation and description of the food allergy, signed by a licensed health care provider

• All medication orders must be renewed at least annually and should be from an asthma/allergy specialist

• Each classroom should have a minimum of 2 up-to-date epinephrine auto-injectors

• Parent’s signed consent to administer all medications

• Parent’s signed consent to share information with other school staff. A description of the child’s past allergic reactions, including symptoms and the child’s emotional response to the condition and need for support

• The name/telephone number of the child’s primary-care provider and allergist

• The parent’s emergency contact number

• All areas, including classrooms, buses, gymnasiums, and outdoor or after-school events should be equipped with a communication device such as a cell phone or walkie-talkie for emergencies

• Allergen foods should not be used for class projects, parties, holidays and celebrations, arts and crafts, science experiments

• If a student inadvertently brings a restricted food to the classroom, he/she must not be allowed to eat that snack in the classroom

• Parents of the student with food allergies are responsible for providing safe classroom snacks for their child. These snacks should be kept in a separate snack box or chest

• Tables should be washed with soap and water in the morning if an event has been held in the classroom the night before

• Proper hand washing technique by adults and children should be taught and required before and after the handling/consumption of food. If hand washing is not possible, vigorously rubbing the hands with hand-sanitizing gel or wipes

• If an allergy attack should occur please do the following

• Remain with the student

• Refer to the student’s Allergy Action Plan

• Immediately administer the epinephrine

• Notify the school nurse

• Notify local Emergency Medical Services and direct them to the student

• Notify the parent/guardian

• Notify school administration

• Notify the student’s primary care provider and/or allergy specialist

• Attend to student’s classmates

• Assist in follow-up and managing the student’s re-entry into school following a life-threatening reaction