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

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