My son is in the local public elementary school. He was involved in the after school program and enjoyed it. I am a single mom going back to school for change of career and need this program so I can take my classes. After getting him tested for peanut allergies he tested positive. Now he is no longer able to use this service at his school. How is this fair?
2007-09-24 13:13:47 · 17 answers · asked by Jacqueline H 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
Wow, I never heard anything like that and that is totally unfair. I'm an assistant supervisor of an after school program in an elementary school and have been working there for 4 years. We have 60 children, two have tree nut allergies and need to have epi pens on site. Myself and the other supervisor are MAT trained so we can give the epi pens if needed be. We don't allow anything with any type of nuts, and double check all packages before giving those children snack. If your child is able to go to school everyday, no reason they can't be in the after school program. They just have to ban snacks that have nuts, shouldn't be that big of a deal, it's not like it's lunch time and children eat peanut butter sandwiches. Take it up with the program director and the principal.
2007-09-24 13:20:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Speaking as a mom who also has a son with a peanut allergy, I feel this situation isn't right. My son has to have Benedryl and an epi-pen at school for use in case of an accidental exposure. Personally I would ask to see a written copy of the policy of the after school program that excludes children with food allergies. Is this service provided by the school, or an outside source? In our school district, although the after school program is at the elementary school, it is run by the YMCA. Your complaint may be with someone other than the school district. Good Luck!
2007-09-24 21:59:07 · answer #2 · answered by AMW8638 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He most certainly IS allowed to use the services at school! The Americans With Disabilities Act protects children like your son who have severe allergies. If he has peanut allergies, they are required to set up a peanut - free zone for him, and most likely tell the parents of the other children not to send peanuts to the program. If someone is telling you your son cannot attend the program because of his allergies, CALL AN ATTORNEY! It's discrimination!
2007-09-24 20:41:10 · answer #3 · answered by SoBox 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many after school programs are funded by different entities and can make rules accordingly. Some programs actually have nothing to do with the school it is at -- they may just be utilizing the campus/utilities. Check with the program coordinator or director to find out the official rules and policies. Also, not allowing your son to participate because of an allergy is just a pre-caution for everyone -- to keep your son safe in case of an accident and to protect the program from a lawsuit if something does happen.
~A Teacher
2007-09-24 20:21:09 · answer #4 · answered by AAA 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's all a matter of liability. Especially when it concerns putting a child with allergies to a common item in with other children who (unknowingly) may expose your child to said item. It isn't discrimination. They're just saving themselves from having to possibly send your child in an ambulance to the ER because he went into shock from some other kids peanuts. Find him a new program or see if they will allow him in if you provide an epi-pen and a signed waiver. Also, if they agree, make sure your son is well versed in what to do if he is feeling unwell due to (if his case is this severe) smelling peanuts or being touched by someone who ate peanuts (the oils can be on their hands). Make sure he knows to get to a supervisor if he feels difficulty breathing or itchiness.
2007-09-24 20:16:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You need a 504 to protect your child.
See http://www.allergysupport.org/ for more information on what a 504 is and how to obtain one.
Peanut allergy is a recognized disability. Your child is just as eligible for school services as any other child but in this case you will have to show the school why.
I hope you also have an allergy emergency plan, epi pens and benadryl for him at school as well.
2007-09-24 20:20:22 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe they can do that, go to the director of the program and state your case. Find out why they will not let him participate anymore. Then if they still give you a hard time go to the superintendent of your school district. If this is being paid for with your tax dollars you have every right to let him participate. That's almost like telling him he can't go to school because he is allergic to peanuts.
2007-09-24 20:21:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Life isn't fair, but let's see if he can be helped.
First, how old is he? If he's old enough to look after his allergy himself, you can sign a waiver making you responsible if he eats the wrong thing.
Second, how allergic is he? Some kids will just about die at a whiff of their allergic pathogen, while others have much milder reactions. If you can reassure them that he won't die in front of them if the kid next to him eats a peanut butter sandwich, they might reconsider.
Meanwhile, get more information and support from foundations and others; you may be able to get medical support that will check on him while he's there, etc.
My heart goes out to you, as I was a single parent myself. You're doing a great job, reaching out instead of just throwing your hands up. ;-)
Good luck!
2007-09-24 21:03:22 · answer #8 · answered by nora22000 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
its not, i dont think peanut allergies have anything to do with an after school activity. if i were you, i would take it up with the school board and see what they will do about it, because that is most definitely not fair.
2007-09-24 20:16:45 · answer #9 · answered by sydddd 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I understand grass and pollen allergies disqualifying you from sports but peanuts?
Sounds like you need the consultation of a lawyer. Also ask the School board whats up
2007-09-24 20:17:30 · answer #10 · answered by Scratchy_Joe 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋