The 411 on the 504: School Allergy Plans Decoded
Last month we covered the basics of kids and epinephrine. This month we’re bringing you the skinny on school management plans for your child’s food allergies.
Are you wondering about a 504? An IEP? Have we lost you?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Setting Up the Plan
Most school districts have district-wide plans for food allergy management, treatment, and reaction prevention. Many states also offer suggestions for school districts on managing food allergies based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To date, there is no federal regulation that standardizes these policies and procedures, so these policies vary between states (and often between school districts within each state).
The first step in setting up an allergy management plan for your child is to reach out to your child’s school. Many schools will ask you and your child’s doctor to fill out an allergy and anaphylaxis emergency plan form, although this form can go by different names. This form covers what steps school staff should take in case the child is exposed to an allergen or if he/she exhibits symptoms of a reaction. The American Academy of Pediatrics published this template form for reference. Once submitted, the school nurse typically prepares an Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP): an internal document that outlines the processes the school should follow in the event the child experiences an allergic reaction.
Some parents go one step further and request a 504 plan. Section 504 is part of a federal civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities and health conditions, including life-threatening food allergies. The law applies to all schools and programs that receive financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education (so all public schools and some private schools). A 504 plan lays out how the school should prevent and respond to allergic events. If a 504 plan protocol is not followed, there are several dispute resolution options available for parents.
To secure a 504 plan, a parent must contact the school district’s 504 coordinator, who works with school officials to determine if the child qualifies. This determination is based in part on medical history, so your doctor may need to provide the school with this information. If the child qualifies, the team will work together to determine what special accommodations and protocols must be followed.
Notably, if your child has a disability and qualifies for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), a separate 504 plan is not necessary. The child’s food allergy accommodations may be joined under their IEP. Also of note, in some non-religious private schools where 504 plans do not apply, parents may rely on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that the school implements a food allergy management plan for the child.
School Policy Options
Since there are no national standards for food allergy protocols, policies vary widely between schools.
According to a recent study surveying school nurses across the country, the most frequently reported policies include: training school staff to respond to allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, using epinephrine autoinjectors, and managing for cross-contact in cafeterias. Other policies commonly implemented include: community food allergy awareness events, designated lunch areas for children with food allergies, and food guidelines for classroom celebrations.
The least frequently reported policies were: allergen labeling information in cafeterias, food management policies for after-school activities, and school-provided stock epinephrine for field trips and off-campus outings. In light of the differences between school policies, parents should understand their school’s protocols before developing their child’s plan.
Words of Wisdom
Finally, we talked with a few food allergy parents in different school districts and asked them to share a few words of wisdom on these management plans:
- “Plans may be different within the same school system—as your child goes from elementary to middle to high school, you will want to revisit your plan. For example, once a child moves to a different school building, new protocols may be appropriate. Older children may also be allowed to self-carry epinephrine or antihistamines.”
- “Make sure your plan or school policies cover transportation to and from school if your child rides the school bus.”
- “Think about after-school plans for your older child, as middle and high school students often have plans with friends after school. For example: can they store their medicine in a school locker during the day–even if the school doesn’t allow self-carry–so that they are prepared to go to a friend’s house or activity directly after?”
We hope this rundown of plan options, food allergy management policies, and parenting wisdom helps you to better advocate for your child’s food allergy needs!
- Susannah and the Allergy Amulet Team