Each classroom has an allergy list that includes all the children in the school with a known allergy or cultural dietary preferences. This list should be posted for easy access in a manner that protects privacy.
Prevention
We take allergies very seriously and collaborate with parents to respond to their child’s needs in the safest and most consistent way possible.
First Circle is a nut-free and latex-free (gloves and band-aids) school.
In the case of severe food allergies, we will eliminate serving that food in a classroom.
In the case of a known allergy to a chemical or other material, we post this information and eliminate exposure in the classroom environment, if possible.
All educators are trained annually to handle allergic reaction emergencies.
Management
Allergy action plan
If a child has a known or suspected allergy, you’ll receive a Special Care Plan and Allergy Action Plan. The Allergy Action Plan details the specific allergy, preventative measures to be taken, symptoms of the allergy and expected treatment, and exact details of any medication to be given.
Treatment
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can occur quickly (as fast as a couple of minutes) and may be life threatening. Time is of the essence with an allergic reaction. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of an allergic reaction, which can include:
MOUTH: Itching, tingling, or swelling of lips, tongue, mouth
SKIN: Hives, itchy rash, swelling of the face or extremities
GUT: Nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
THROAT: Tightening of throat, hoarseness, hacking cough
LUNG: Shortness of breath, repetitive coughing, wheezing
NEURO: Disorientation, dizziness, loss of consciousness
For a child with a known or suspected allergy, notice any symptoms and determine the course of action based on the child’s Special Care Plan:
Antihistamine
If the child’s Special Care Plan indicates antihistamine for symptoms presenting:
One staff member must stay with the child at all times.
Give the medication listed on the form.
Contact parent/guardian.
Notify Administration.
Closely monitor for improvement or worsening of symptoms.
Epinephrine
If the child’s Special Care Plan indicates an EpiPen for an allergic reaction, refer to the Plan and determine whether the presenting symptoms call for use of the EpiPen:
One staff member must stay with the child at all times.
Call for help from the office.
Inject EpiPen [see below]. Note time of injection for EMTs.
Have another teacher or Admin call 911.
Contact parent or emergency contact.
Take used EpiPen unit and child’s file in the ambulance to the hospital.
Directions for using epipen or Jr.
Prepare the EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector For Injection
Remove the auto-injector from the clear carrier tube.
Flip open the yellow cap of the EpiPen or the green cap of the EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector carrier tube.
Tip and slide the auto-injector out of the carrier tube.
Grasp the auto-injector in your fist with the orange tip pointing downward. With your other hand, remove the blue safety release by pulling straight up without bending or twisting it.
Note: The needle comes out of the orange tip. Never put your thumb, fingers, or hand over the orange tip.
Administer the EpiPen or EpiPen Jr Auto-Injector
Hold the auto-injector with orange tip near the outer thigh. Swing and firmly push the orange tip against the outer thigh until it ‘clicks.’
Keep the auto-injector firmly pushed against the thigh at a 90° angle (perpendicular) to the thigh. Hold firmly against the thigh for around 10 seconds to deliver the drug. The injection is now complete.
Remove the auto-injector from the thigh. The orange tip will extend to cover the needle.