JUVENILE DIABETES: Working with Schools and Camps
Communication is the key to preparation
BY:MARGARET FARLEY STEELE
When sending your diabetic child to school or camp, advance planning and good communication between parents and staff are critical for a child's well-being and a parent's peace of mind. These tips from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation can smooth the process:
SCHOOL
Meet with your child's teachers, phys-ed instructor, school nurse and cafeteria manager to educate them about your child's needs before classes start.
Provide teachers with a written care plan, and discuss it with them. Include signs indicating when blood sugar should be tested, symptoms of high and low blood sugar, the need for snacks and insulin, and detailed emergency procedures.
Consider stocking your child's classrooms with snacks and extra supplies.
Know your rights. Under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, federally funded schools must provide a "Section 504" plan to help students manage Type 1 diabetes. This agreement between the school and parent puts into place guidelines and accommodations.
Because Type 1 diabetes is considered a disability, other schools should make similar arrangements under the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Rehearse with your child different scenarios that might occur, such as what to say if a teacher refuses to allow a glucose test during class time.
Alert teachers to the fact that abnormal sugar levels can affect academic performance.
CAMP
Seek recommendations from other parents of children with diabetes or from your diabetes-care team.
Visit camps while they're in session to determine which is right for your child.
Speak to the camp director and medical director to evaluate their level of diabetes-relevant experience.
Educate camp staff yourself or with the help of your child's medical team.
Because it's more difficult to manage blood sugar at camp because of increased physical activity, speak to your child's doctor before camp starts about adjusting your child's eating plan or insulin.
For more on Kids and Diabetes, click on:
JUVENILE DIABETES: THE EARLY YEARS
JUVENILE DIABETES: TWEENS AND TEENS
JUVENILE DIABETES: HOW TO MUNCH A HEALTHY LUNCH
JUVENILE DIABETES: BUILD ON KID POWER