GUIDELINES FOR MANAGING FOOD ALLERGIES AT SHANGHAI AMERICAN SCHOOL

Shanghai  American   School   is   committed   to  providing   a   safe   learning   environment   for   all  students.  Although  we  cannot  guarantee  a  completely  allergen  free  environment,  our  goal  is   to   minimize   the   risk   of   exposure,   encourage   self-­‐responsibility   in   children   to   make  healthy  choices,  and  have  a  plan   in  place   for  possible  emergencies.    As  peanuts  and  tree-­‐nuts  comprise  over  90%  of  all  serious  allergic  reactions,  the  guidelines  will  be  focused  on  these   allergens.   Students   who   have   allergies   to   other   foods   will   be   dealt   with   on   an  individual  basis.  

Guidelines for Parents

• Please  notify  your  divisional  SAS  school  nurse  if  your  child  has  any  food  allergies  and  an  individual  health  care  plan  will  be  created  as  necessary.    

• Please  DO  NOT  send  lunch  or  snacks  containing  any  nut  products  to  school.  It  is  

important  to  check  ingredients  with  the  staff  and  teachers  before  special  occasions  when  food  might  be  brought  to  school.    

• Students  are  encouraged  not  to  share  food  in  order  to  protect  themselves  and/or  

their  classmates.  This  includes  going  to  and  from  school  on  the  bus.    

• The  school  nurse  will  create  management  plans  for  children  with  food  allergies  prior  to  off-­‐campus  field  trips.  

Students with Food Allergies:

• SAS  requires  that  your  child’s  doctor  provide  written  instructions  that  explain  what  symptoms  to  watch  for  in  the  case  of  an  allergic  reaction  and  at  what  point  specific  medications  should  be  administered.  The  doctor’s  note  must  also  indicate  the  level  of  severity  of  the  allergy  (ranging  from  mild-­‐  to  life  threating).    

• Students  with  food  allergies  are  encouraged  to  bring  in  safe  foods  to  consume  on  class  party  days  in  case  shared  foods  contain  any  ingredients  they  are  allergic  to  (i.e.  nuts,  eggs,  dairy,  etc.).    

• If  your  child  has  a  food  allergy,  parents  are  encouraged  to  teach  their  children  how  

to  make  safe  food  choices.  Although  we  ask  students  and  staff  not  to  bring  nut/nut  products  to  school,  we  cannot  guarantee  a  completely  nut  free  environment.    

• We  ask  that  you  help  your  child  to  become  responsible  for  his/her  personal  health  and  safety  and  learn  to  become  their  own  advocates.    

If your child has been prescribed an EpiPen:

• You  must  supply  2  new  EpiPens  each  school  year.  One  to  keep  in  the  nurse’s  office  and  one  to  keep  on  the  child.  Families  must  have  a  set  of  EpiPens  to  be  kept  at  home.  Families  are  responsible  to  make  sure  that  the  EpiPens  are  not  expired  during  the  school  year.    

How SAS protects your child with food allergies

• Food/snacks  sold  by  the  Sodexo/  Eurist  are  prepared  in  nut  free  kitchens.    

 • Food  served  in  the  cafeteria  will  be  clearly  labeled  and  have  pictures  of  whether  or  

not  food  contains  seafood,  chicken,  beef  or  pork.      

• Children  with  SEVERE  allergies  will  have  an  individualized  healthcare  plan  that  will  be  kept  in  the  nurse’s  office.  A  list  of  students  with  their  picture  will  be  forwarded  to  classroom  teachers  and  support  staff.    

 • Allergies  will  be  listed  in  the  “medical  alert”  on  Power  School.  

In the Elementary Cafeteria:

 • Your  child’s  name  and  the  nature  of  their  allergies  will  be  displayed  in  a  visible,  

designated  place  in  the  cafeteria  where  the  child  will  sit  to  eat.  

School Transportation: • Bus  monitors  attend  yearly  first  aid  training  and  how  to  use  EpiPens.    

 • Children  with  severe  allergies,  regardless  of  age,  should  carry  an  EpiPen  in  their  

backpack.    

IN THE EVENT OF A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION

• Your  child’s  teacher  and  teacher  aide  will  be  familiar  with  the  allergic  response  plan  for  your  child.  If  the  child  shows  signs  of  anaphylaxis  (which  may  include  any  of  the  following  symptoms:  skin  reactions  such  as  flushed  or  pale  skin,  hives/rashes,  vomiting,  diarrhea,  wheezing,  swollen  tongue/throat,  difficulty  breathing,  weak  and  rapid  pulse,  or  dizziness);  the  nursing  staff  will  treat  your  child  appropriately.  Parents  will  be  notified  and  if  necessary  the  child  will  be  transported  to  the  nearest  hospital.    

 Your cooperation is essential in keeping SAS safe!