Teachers can be great allies in keeping your child with diabetes 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 may need emergency assistance. Please read the materials we provide and consult with the school nurse so you can be ready to help.
2. Please take my child seriously when he says he needs to eat a snack, get a drink of water or use the restroom. He has a legitimate need.
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 serious 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
Information for Teachers
Source: Children with Diabetes
Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
One-Page Care Guide for Teachers
Source: Children with Diabetes
Sample Health Care Plan and
Sample 504 Plan
Source: Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund
Letter for Substitute Teacher
Source: Children with Diabetes
