| Framingham Centre Nursery School (FCNS) is a peanut-free and tree-nut free facility. Several children who attend FCNS suffer from allergies. These allergies include food allergies, asthma, and other types of allergies. Allergic reactions may range from mild skin irritations to severe reactions during which the child may experience anaphylactic shock and even death.
Purpose
The FCNS Policy is intended to:
support children attending FCNS who have allergies;
minimize the risk of allergic reaction by these children so that they may attend FCNS;
ensure that all information provided by parents of allergic children is provided to teachers;
foster cooperation between parents and FCNS in determining how best to deal with allergic children; and
educate all children attending FCNS, and their families, about the allergies that are present in the school, the severity of reactions suffered by children attending FCNS, and the ways that risk of reactions may be minimized.
Parent Responsibilities
All parents of children attending FCNS are responsible for:
ensuring that their children do not bring any peanuts or other nuts to FCNS
ensuring that their children are properly cleaned up (i.e. hands, face, clothing) before coming to school so that allergic triggers are not brought into school as accidental contamination
being supportive of those children with allergies
listing specific ingredients for any homemade snacks that are brought into a classroom where allergies are present or reading labels of store bought snacks to ensure that nuts are not listed as an ingredient or a possible cross contaminant
All parents of allergic children attending FCNS are responsible for:
identifying, in writing, all of their child's allergies to FCNS
providing written medical documentation, instructions, and medications as directed by a physician, using the Food Allergy Action Plan as a guide- including a photo of the child on the written form.
providing all necessary medications, in the original containers, related to their child's allergies
supporting and educating FCNS staff about their child's allergies
providing a non-perishable alternate snack to be kept on-site in the appropriate classroom for their child for unexpected times
ensuring that all emergency contact phone numbers are current at all times
Framingham Centre Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of FCNS to:
designate school personnel who are properly trained to administer medications
review Food Allergy Action Plans on an annual basis
request that all parents be supportive of children with allergies
send a letter to every family in September of each new year, informing them of the allergies present in their classes, along with any other relevant information to help the parents understand the severity of the allergy
ensure that the teachers-including any substitute teachers- are given all information which has been provided by the parents regarding the allergies of students in their classes
ensure that the teachers are trained in first aid, CPR, recognition of a severe allergic reaction, and use of prescription medication (i.e. the Epi-pen)
follow FCNS Emergency Plan for dealing with children who have life threatening allergies (see attached)
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Director's Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Director to:
compile and store all relevant health and allergy information in a readily accessible location, including general allergy information, the Emergency Plan, and current contact phone numbers
post children's names and their allergies in the office and in the classrooms
store prescription medication, in clearly labeled containers, in the office
take all allergy information and prescription medication on field trips
administer any necessary prescription medication in the event of an allergic reaction and have assistant or teacher call 911 if an Epi-pen has been administered
Teacher's Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Teacher to:
be familiar with Action Plans applicable to any children in the classroom
discourage the sharing of food, cups, utensils, etc.
discuss allergies with the children in an age appropriate way when necessary
eliminate certain types of food and other items from their classes when necessary, whether used in snacks, crafts, or other activities
ensure that classroom snacks are safe for children with allergies- checking ingredients or checking with parents of allergic child if in doubt
ensure that children wash their hands before eating
ensure that children have brought in nut-free lunches
Emergency Plan
If a reaction to a food allergy is suspected, child should immediately be taken to the FCNS director's office.
Director is responsible for administering any necessary medication according to the directions in the applicable Action Plan.
Parent must be called if medication of any type is administered.
911 must be called- by office assistant or teacher- if an Epi-pen is administered. Child will be accompanied by a familiar adult from FCNS if transported before parent arrives; taking the Emergency Authorization and Release Form (Green Sheet) with child.
Fill out dosage, date and time information on the OCCS Authorization for Medication Form to keep in FCNS records.
Note: The Allergy Asthma Information Association suggest that when in doubt as to whether there is an allergic reaction, do not delay in administering medication. If a child requires an Epi-pen, the director or teacher should give the Epi-pen immediately because there are no contraindications in doing so.
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