that you used for your child's peanut allergies? My ped has asked me to draft the letter myself.
I am in the process of writing up a plan for the school, and my initial phone calls to the nurse and administration have been encouraging. I want to have everything in writing before I meet with them. We are going the non-504 route at this time. I am requesting that the classroom and lunchtable(cafeteria) be peanut, nut and liquid milk- free zones (we have multiple allergies).
I plan to discuss his particular symptoms and reactions. I have gotten very good information already from those of you who have written 504 plans and I thank you. Much of it applies to any well written safety protocol.
Thank you so much! PS Daniel will be in Kindergarten, full day (public school in NY).
Amy
Here is our request letter to our doctor.
[url="http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/Forum7/HTML/000431.html"]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/Forum7/HTML/000431.html[/url]
Also, you may want to read this thread and read all the links that Busymom suggested.
[url="http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/Forum7/HTML/000546.html"]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/Forum7/HTML/000546.html[/url]
Stay safe,
Rhonda
Rhonda,
Thank you for a copy of your letter. I printed it out and will read it when my head clears. I just spent the last 4 hours straight writing and I can't see straight anymore. I saw your other links previously and am using some of the articles for the school to look at and I looked through some of the 504s. They are all very helpful.
I am meeting with another parent with similar circumstances later this week (her child is older) and she is going to look over what I have written. it is looking more and more like a 504 so I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet.
Thanks for your help!!!!! I really appreciate it.
Amy
Hi Amy,
I personally would go for the 504 Designation before my child enters school, and I would call it that, protection under Section 504. The designation entitles you and your child to certain rights under disability laws.
I wrote our district the first week of Sept. 2001, requesting protection under Section 504 starting in Sept. of 2002. I attached my doctor
That is starting to be my feeling. Get the designation now, and if we don't need it later, fine. We're dealing with multiple allergens and I don't know if we can really get the classroom and cafeteria safe without the designated zones. I know the school has had some experience with peanut allergies, but they really haven't had a child who is also anaphylactic to milk and egg. It seems really necessary to go this route.
Thanks for your help!!! I will let you know what happens.
Amy
Amy-It sounds like I asked the same question you had-about an example of a letter that the doctor had written. If that is what you were looking for see the topic Doctor's letter under Schools from me....tkiamly.
Hope this helps!
tkiamly
tkiamly,
Thank you for your reply. When I had more time, I read through the posts and saw it-thanks for pointing it out!!!
Amy
Amy S -
Sorry I can't help you with the doctor's note, but I seem to have misplaced your email. Please email me off board - I have a question for you!
Amy
Any feedback on the following letter?
September 24, 2002
To Whom It May Concern:
XXX is currently under my care for peanut allergy and asthma. I understand that XXX will be entering Kindergarten at your school in the fall of 2003. The purpose of this letter is to assist you in creating a safe learning environment for XXX. Any exposure to peanuts and/or peanut-containing products could produce a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can involve multiple systems of the body, including respiratory, cardio-vascular, and gastro-intestinal functions; potentially causing a drop in blood pressure and swelling of the lips, tongue, throat and/or bronchial airways. If untreated, an anaphylactic reaction can result in death within minutes of the initial exposure.
XXX was brought to our practice at age thirteen months, following an allergic contact reaction. His initial reaction - hives over his entire body - resulted from being kissed on the cheek by his mother after she had eaten a peanut butter sandwich. Subsequent testing for peanut allergy, via skin prick puncture test and blood antibody tests, has measured his sensitivity to be at the highest degree of classification. His peanut allergy is considered severe. His initial assessment also resulted in a positive skin prick test for walnut, which (in addition to cross-contamination concerns with peanut) necessitates avoidance of tree nuts, as well as peanuts. Furthermore, underlying asthma, which, in XXX's case has intensified in the past year, can exacerbate allergic reactions.
I am therefore recommending that XXX's school take every possible precaution to ensure that he is not exposed to peanuts, nuts, or their residues. It is critical that all reasonable steps be taken to avoid placing XXX at risk for exposure to known allergens. At minimum, his classroom, and any other school room that is a regular part of his learning environment, should be completely peanut/nut free. If he will be eating in a lunchroom where other children might have peanut products, a nut-free eating area should be provided, and efforts should be made to keep peanut butter residues from transferring to areas of the school where XXX would learn or play. It is advised that any children or adults who have eaten peanut products be required to wash their hands before they enter his classroom.
In addition, XXX will need to have allergy medication, including an epinephrine auto-injector, within close proximity at all times. In the event of a severe allergic reaction, minutes matter. All school staff who have regular contact with XXX should be familiar with his medical condition and be trained in recognizing and treating allergic reactions. We would be happy to participate in further educating your staff or parent body about food allergies, if this can be arranged. We will also assist in preparing a more specific and detailed emergency response plan for XXX in advance of his entrance into the school next year.
Sincerely,
Dr.
M.D.
Just re-raising for any feedback about this letter. I'd like our allergist to send it to the school principal ASAP.
Thanks!
Yonit,
I think your letter is extremely articulate and easy to understand. I don't have anything to add other than to say that it is very well written.
Thank you for sharing it and good luck!!!
Amy
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