School starts next week for us and I am in the midst of getting school supplies, clinic forms, clothes and everything else together. Everything else includes my annual letter to my daughter’s teacher regarding her allergies. Actually, my daughter has the same teacher that she had last year but I am still writing a “reminder” letter to her describing my daughter’s allergy and procedures.

Here is what I think should be included in the teacher letter:

• A clear description of what your child is allergic to. A lot of people think that tree nuts encompass peanuts and vice versa, for some people it does, so make that clear. If it doesn’t, make that clear, too. I usually list the tree nuts because not everyone is familiar with all they include. If it’s something like milk, list products that milk is in that may not be common knowledge and list things like birthday cake if it’s something your child can’t have.
• A very clear description of what can happen if your child comes in contact/ingests the allergen, including all possible symptoms as well as common ones. Don’t be wishy washy here. You need to get the seriousness across of the dangers of food allergies.
• Where your medication is kept and what it is, including dosage.
• When to give medicine and when not (i.e., Epipen if there is trouble breathing, antihistamine for localized hives, whatever is your protocol).
• List your emergency contact information (cell phone, Grandmother or friend, etc, in case you are not reachable).
• Your classroom expectations and desires, for example, no peanuts in the classroom, separate table at lunch, your child’s own stash of treats for birthdays and other occasions.
• Who else needs to know and if you would like the teacher to share this letter or if you will be sending it out yourself.
• Your thanks for your teacher’s diligence in helping you keep your child safe this year (this is important, don’t forget it!).
• Your phone number and a please call with any questions. Let them know you are always available to them regarding your child’s safety. I have seen teacher’s call parents when classroom treats go out to check to see if it’s okay.

I usually give my letter to the teacher before school starts, either at meet and greet or when I take the medication into school. This way, I have a few minutes to discuss it with her face to face when she has time, as opposed to sending it in on the first day when it could get lost in all of the paperwork. Some people choose to send a letter to the class as well, or speak to the class at an open house (yes, more on that later…).

Just remember to be clear. Teachers are becoming more and more familiar with food allergies but don’t be afraid to assume they know nothing; better give them too much information than not enough. Here’s to a great, safe upcoming school year.