Childcare

Sending your young children to daycare or preschool can be especially stressful when they have food allergies.

Did you know that our youngest students face the highest risk of reacting to a food at school? Over 60 percent of food allergy reactions at school take place in preschools and childcare facilities

This stage of child development requires vigilant adult observation and nurturing care whether children are cared for and educated at home or in a daycare or preschool setting. 
 
Children at the preschool age frequently put hands/objects/shared toys in their mouths, making cleaning and prevention strategies critical. Use appropriate hand-washing procedures that emphasize the use of soap and water. Plain water and hand sanitizers are not effective in removing food allergens.
 
Hands-on learning and motor skill development activities often use non-food materials, which can potentially contain allergens. Working with the teacher and school staff is key to preventing exposures and including the child.
 
Keep epinephrine accessible. Reactions are never planned. Mild symptoms can include a new rash or a few hives around the mouth or face. More severe symptoms can include wheezing or difficulty breathing. Make sure that epinephrine is always within reach, know the signs of anaphylaxis and enact emergency care procedures in the event of an allergic reaction.