| - No food sharing should be allowed.
- Accidental exposure can be reduced by not allowing a child eating a non-allergenic food to sit near the allergic child.
- During meal and snack time the allergic child should be easily observable by a caregiver, perhaps seated near a teacher.
- All children should be required to wash hands and face after meals.
- Tables, chairs and floors should be thoroughly cleaned after activities involving food items.
- Art materials – such as play dough, paints, glue and other craft items – should be inspected for hidden allergens. Preschools often use food-containing products for crafts, such as peanut butter pinecone birdfeeders or egg in homemade tempera paints.
- Drinking bottled water rather than drinking from a shared water fountain may be a good idea for the allergic child.
- Classmates' sensitivity to the needs of the food allergic child can be fostered by the teachers. Materials such as the video, Alexander the Elephant Who Couldn't Eat Peanuts, or a book such as No Nuts for Me! can help the other children understand their classmate's special needs.
- Extra caution is needed to avoid unsafe foods at parties. It is often best to have the parent of the allergic child present at parties.
- Parents of an allergic child can provide a "stash" of safe alternatives to avoid problems with foods used as treats or rewards.
- Medications kept at the facility should be periodically checked for expiration dates. Epi-pens must be examined for discoloration, indicating a replacement is needed.
- A Medic Alert bracelet helps to identify the allergic child to all staff members.
|
|
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families. 
