Parenting

Preparing the School for Your Child with Celiac Disease

By Terri Mauro, About.com Guide

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Teachers can be great allies in keeping your child with Celiac Disease safe and successful in school, but you'll need to make sure they have all the knowledge they need to help. Use these suggestions to create a information packet to bring educators up to speed.

Five Things Teachers Need to Know

1. My child is on a restricted diet that is essential to his health. You can help by making sure there are appropriate options for him and by providing understanding and support.

2. If there will be a birthday party or other snack time in the classroom, please let me know in advance so I can send something my child can eat.

3. It's okay to let my child's classmates know about her condition as long as it is done in a positive and respectful way; I'd be happy to help prepare a program.

4. My child has a significant health condition, but he is still a child with ordinary interests and hope and dreams. Please help us keep his life as normal as possible.

5. Please keep the lines of communication open between our home and the school. My child needs all the adults in her life working together.

Printouts to Share with Teachers

Celiac Disease - Teacher's Info
Source: Canadian Celiac Association

Understanding Your Student
Source: Gluten Intolerance Group

Celiac Disease, Food Allergies, and School (scroll down to "School Responsibilities"
Source: Food Allergy Gourmet

Prepare a Gluten-Free School Environment
Source: Children's Hospital Boston

Letters with specific advice on school issues for:
+ School counselor
+ Principal
+ Teacher
+ Nurse
+ Cafeteria staff
+ Student
+ Parent
Source: Celiac Sprue Association