Food-free classrooms have been discussed in a few threads lately. So...I hope those of you who are fortunate enough to have food-free classrooms won't mind answering some questions for me [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
1) For those of you with food-free classrooms, could you tell me how this decision was reached and how easy/difficult it was?
2) How old is your child who benefits from this?
3) Do you have a 504 and is food-free policy written in there?
4)Do children eat snack somewhere outside the classroom? Where?
5) Is food allowed for parties and eaten outside the classroom? Where?
6) If food is eaten elsewhere, what are the cleanup procedures?
7) How well is this policy enforced?
8) How was this policy explained to other parents? What was the reason given for this policy to other parents?
9) What was the response of other parents to this policy?
Thanks for your information [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
![http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]](http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]){kind=link}
linking to discussion on food free classrooms:
[url="http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/Forum7/HTML/002866.html"]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/Forum7/HTML/002866.html[/url]
[b]1) For those of you with food-free classrooms, could you tell me how this decision was reached and how easy/difficult it was? [/b] This year, DD's teacher decided that it would be easiest to go food-free.
[b] 2) How old is your child who benefits from this? [/b] 7
[b] 3) Do you have a 504 [/b] yes [b] and is food-free policy written in there? [/b] no
[b] 4)Do children eat snack somewhere outside the classroom? Where? [/b] Yes, they are allowed to eat a snack at the picnic tables (there is also a nut-safe picnic table) during morning recess. Most kids would rather play.
[b] 5) Is food allowed for parties and eaten outside the classroom? Where? [/b] No. There are no official "parties". There are 3 holiday events (Halloween, Winter Holiday, Valentine's Day) which must be educational in nature. These are usually crafts/games and take place in the classroom. This is District Policy.
[b] 6) If food is eaten elsewhere, what are the cleanup procedures? [/b] Food is eaten only in the cafeteria or at the picnic tables outside. There are nut-safe tables in both locations. The kids wipe their hands upon returning to the classroom.
[b] 7) How well is this policy enforced? [/b] So far, so good!
[b] 8) How was this policy explained to other parents? What was the reason given for this policy to other parents? [/b] The teacher explained that she doesn't want to deal with the mess and time needed to clean up associated with eating in class. Also, there are kids with food allergies.
[b] 9) What was the response of other parents to this policy? [/b] They seem to understand the need for it and respect this as the teacher's preference. She is an excellent teacher, so many would give up eating in class to have her. I have only seen sighing and mild grumbling about not having food for "parties".
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Mom to 7 yr old PA/TNA daughter and 4 yr old son who is allergic to eggs.
I posted in the linked thread but we're not food free - just daily snack free...
1) For those of you with food-free classrooms, could you tell me how this decision was reached and how easy/difficult it was?
Decided for me...probably thanks to one who came before me.
2) How old is your child who benefits from this?kindergarten
3) Do you have a 504 and is food-free policy written in there? yes and the policy is in there as i recall
4)Do children eat snack somewhere outside the classroom? Where?
no daily snack eaten anywhere
5) Is food allowed for parties and eaten outside the classroom? Where?
We have 3 parties and far too many other food events. I'd say there's been 5 or 6 other times although for 3 they've brought the treat home.
9) What was the response of other parents to this policy? not aware of any
luvmyboys
This isn't relevant for us, because our cafeteria is a multi-purpose room (with gym class, etc going on) so there is no where else to eat a snack.
I do think the younger kids need a snack mid-morning.