<<Disclaimer:  Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

As a Kindergarten teacher, and a parent of a celiac daughter (19
months), I would agree that while it's important that school staff is
aware, it's also so important that the child is most aware. At least
aware enough to explain what foods to stay away from. While I've never
had a student with celiac, my Kindergarteners with peanut allergies,
etc. were very aware of their situation. Not only that, it was VITAL
that communication with the parent was ongoing and open. I also had
asked parents to notify the school nurse (she/he should always know
about medical conditions), and asked if I could share the information
with our room parents (who coordinated class parties, etc). 

Lastly, at my school our lunch staff is notified of all allergies.
Hanging in their kitchen is a poster of all student faces who have
allergies, medical conditions that apply to food. They are aware of all
conditions. 

Most importantly, don't take it lightly. As a teacher, I can say there
is great comfort in a parent who informs me fully of a child's
condition. Even when I have questions, I know I can contact them, or if
I can't get a hold of them, I can contact the school nurse for guidance.


Also - request that in the teacher's sub plans this information is
shared. The sub needs to know of any medical conditions, and many times
this information is overlooked by the classroom teacher who forgets to
include such information. 

Kindergarteners are smart kids, but they too look to adults for help --
the more adults who are aware, the more help they'll get! 

Good luck! 

-----Original Message-----
From: Celiac/Coeliac Wheat/Gluten-Free Children List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Judi Harrington
McLaughlin
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2009 8:36 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [CEL-KIDS] Starting School

<<Disclaimer:  Verify this information before applying it to your
situation.>>

I have to agree as well.  The key to successful integration of the GF
diet
is not to "spotlight" it.  We've had tremendous success by simply
partnering
with the teacher, giving her some guidelines and practices to follow,
but
more importantly, by teaching our child to advocate for herself.

On Thu, Jan 29, 2009 at 8:11 PM, Hilary Worchell
<[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> I have to jump in here to disagree with the notion of wearing some
kind
> label on your child.  That sets a terrible example of labeling a kid
in
> general. We want them to fit in, not the opposite.  Call the principal
and
> set up a meeting. Bring a bunch of laminated sheets w a picture of
your kid
> explaining what celiac is, etc. Put your cell on it for questions.
Avoid the
> hot lunch program.  Good luck.  Once you get assigned to a classroom
meet w
> the teacher and all assts and other teachers interacting w your kid.
> ------Original Message------
> From: [log in to unmask]
> Sender:
> To: [log in to unmask]
> ReplyTo: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: [CEL-KIDS] Starting School
> Sent: Jan 29, 2009 10:08 AM
>
> <<Disclaimer:  Verify this information before applying it to your
> situation.>>
>
> I would recommend having a meeting with the school staff (in fact, all
> people who would come into contact with your child including bus
drivers,
> etc) that your child has celiac or just tell them your child i on a
wheat
> free/dairy free diet.   Do it right before the school year starts.  If
> necessary, applying a label to the back of your child's shirt would
also
> work.
>
> Rick
>
> * Support summarization of posts, reply to the SENDER not the CEL-KIDS
List
> *
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

* Cel-Kids Web Page:  http://www.enabling.org/ia/cel-kids *

* Cel-Kids Web Page:  http://www.enabling.org/ia/cel-kids *