Can Daycare Be Safe For Celiac Toddlers?

[Chelsea-A]

My son, Jude, is 21 months old. He was dx with celiac at 13 months old. Prior to dx he had diarrhea for six months and poor weight gain.

Jude is in day care 2 days a week. His teachers are very aware of his diet. He eats at a separate table with one other toddler. I send all his food and drink. There is a picture of him on the wall that says no gluten to remind everyone. I know his teachers try hard but I'm wondering if it's too much to expect.

Jude has been miserable for three days now. Poor appetite, clingy, fussy, and frequent BM's. I feel certain that he had gluten on Friday. Friday night he even woke up during the night crying and had a BM. This is not the first time. There have been several times that he has had the same symptoms after being at daycare for his two days. His weight gain is still very slow.

Is it possible for the daycare to keep Jude gluten-free? There are 12 toddlers and 2 teachers in the room. At breakfast time there are cherrios all over the floor. They make play-dough in the class but Jude doesn't participate. How can they possibly keep the surfaces free of gluten? Jude's hands are constantly in his mouth. He's still teething. Do I need to take him out of daycare until he can keep his hands out of his mouth and know not to pick things up off the floor to eat?

Any suggestions welcome. Is anyone in this same situation?

[mom2twoangels]

I will be anxious to see others respones on this. I have just started calling preschools for my daughter she is 2 1/2. I talked to one that was saying they don't allow people to bring in their own food when I explained about the wheat they agreed to make an exception. I haven't visited it yet - UG. I do have experience with my older son and his Ige allergies to nuts and his preschool experience. With him we quickly learned we couldn't trust others to remeber or be diligent enough about labels etc. We had to go no food from anyone but us (ie your lunch / snack bag) and thats it no exceptions. Our preschool used mats for food times then also wiped down after eating. Oh and the kids also wash hands before going back to the work / play area.

Can you get them to clean up better? there are reciepes for non-wheat play doh could they try that?

It is a challenge.

[celiac-mommy]

This has been a hot topic many times over

If you type "daycare" into the search engine here, you will find the most recent daycare threads. Here's one-hope it helps:

https://www.celiac.com/gluten-free/lofivers...php/t54355.html

[dandelionmom]

If there are Cheerios all over the floor where the children play, I probably wouldn't consider that safe.

My daughter is in preschool and while we've had a few slip ups, they're trying and she's still doing fine.

It is very important to communicate with the teachers and directors to make sure they can keep the environment clean. We've had the best experience when I provide all my daughter's food, volunteer at their parties/special days, and provide gluten-free playdoh for the class.

[Chelsea-A]

Thanks for the suggestions. I did read some old threads as well. I think providing playdough and clay for the whole class is a great ideal. I sent him some gluten free playdough that I made but it smells bad after about a week and even got moldy. I might try ordering some online. Maybe they can make playdough on days he isn't there.

I'm going to start on a letter for his teachers.

[jmeds77]

I don't think I'm much help as we're new to gluten-free for our 3 yo and 1 yo.

I understand you're child's caregivers/teachers are aware and do their very best.

One thing I do when I send my kiddos to their church class and my son to "playschool" in addition to talking with the teachers and packing their own snack is place a sticker on their backs as a reminder to teachers. My kids are young and don't know the difference altough my son (3) is getting better and knows he is to only eat "Grandpa Food" (grandfater and two uncles Celiacs).

I usually write on a big label in a bright colored sharpie something like:

"Allergies!

I have my own special snack "

If there are a lot of people around in more of a loose environment, I'll write something like:

"Allergies!

Do not feed me!"

It sounds kinda cruel but they're little and I'd rather do all I can to keep them safe and they're welcome to make fun of me when they're teenagers!

Maybe a constant visual on your child will help the teachers keep it always on their mind.