Starting New Preschool

[peppyking]

My four year old is starting a new preschool. She was diagnosed with celiac disease last year (blood test & endoscopy), and her then-preschool was amazing.

 

This new preschool is run by the school district, but we pay for it. Would she be eligible for a 504 plan or not until she attends "regular" public school? If she is, what are the pros/cons and what should be included? They are a peanut free school, but I am nervous they will not take the gluten free seriously.

 

My daughter is very good about speaking up and avoiding cross-contamination. Any tips & suggestions for communicating with the teacher and fostering a safe classroom environment would be greatly appreciated!

[africanqueen99]

My 3 y/o attends a public school district preschool program.  Last year she was in the public school district Kids Morning Out.  I had a 504 filled out before she started KMO and then we updated at the end of the school year knowing she would bump up to preschool this year.

 

This is a quote from me from a thread a while back about the situation.  At this particular school they take all allergies seriously.  Truly, there was a kid with a latex allergy a few years ago and they removed ALL latex from the school.  They're that good - so I knew they would take gluten seriously.  And they do:

 

We met to put together her plan the Spring before she started KMO (she was 2.25 years at that time).  I had meetings with the upcoming teacher and aide, head of program, school nurse and Health Services Director for the district.  The Director of the building never attended anything - she had no need to.  Other than the Health Services Director (who puts together all 504s in the district), I had all the people I needed in the room.  We started off by them asking me what happens if she has gluten - I didn't sugar coat anything and might have embellished a little bit as I felt I was speaking for future kids with Celiac in the school too.  Then they literally asked me what I wanted and we discussed them point by point. 

* No food not from me or approved by me

* My kid is assisted with her food first and has a set spot at the head of the table (easier to not have other kids touch her food)

* All supplies were checked and safe from the school district person that does that (not sure of his title - but the man is a beast and gets to the bottom of all ingredients directly from manufacturers)

* Unrestricted bathroom acess

etc

 

All this to say that I'd have a sit-down with the people that really matter in this scenario - teachers/aids/nurse/etc.

[racheltom]

My daughter just started a new preschool, too, and they've been great about her celiac disease.  They are providing gluten free play doh, which I assumed I'd have to send in.  

 

I get a little confused when parents on these boards discuss 504s.  I'm an elementary school teacher, so I'm very familiar with the process.  I have never heard of students being on a 504 for celiac or any food allergy.  Is it common?  Just for early childhood?  

[StephanieL]

It's becoming more common for children to have 504's for Food Allergies and Celiac disease.  I won't say it is common yet but more and more it is happening.  A lot parents don't know to ask for one and get IHP's.

[rehh05]

I am a teacher in a public school preschool program and I have celiac. 

Yes, you can ask for a 504 plan. But make sure that you talk to everyone who has anything to do with  your daughter. The preschool will be vigilant but will not eliminate wheat products from the school. 

You will need to politely and pleasantly advocate for her and educate the staff. Finding or creating handout with information on them would be very helpful. Make sure they understand that this is more severe than an allergy in many ways. 

Sometimes people think they understand this disease but they don't understand about cross contamination or how tiny bits can still cause problems. 

You are going to need to make sure they understand how important it is for her to wash her hands constantly. 

And they need to make sure any substitute teachers are informed too. 

If it is a half day it is easier as there is just snack and other kids hands to contend with, lunch is harder. But it is a rewarding experience. Help the staff question every substance that might accidentally get in her mouth... Paint, playdoh, glue, everything... And both home and school emphasize keeping hands out of mouth and washing things off of hands. 

I have had kids with extreme allergies in class and celiac and we all worked together without a 504 and things were fine. But if you can get a 504 do it. It is something you can refine in preschool and have ready we she goes to kindergarten and may really need it.