School Support for Parents & Guardians
Parents become accustomed to advocating for their children in a variety of settings when living with FPIES. The school setting is one of most importance!
With appropriate tools and resources, parents can best navigate the school systems and equip their children to have a safe and successful education experience!
Check out this parent-friendly resource from Global Genes:
"Optimizing Your Loved One’s Learning and Potential at School"
Star Tips for Parents
Keeping a Communication Log
A communication log or journal can be a great way to maintain conversation and share important changes at home and school.
Strategies for Success
There may be specific strategies that you use to help your child cope with changes that may occur with a food trial. Discuss these with teachers in case they want to adapt any for classroom implementation
Be a Part of the Team!
Do your best to be available and accessible for questions, support, and volunteering when possible
Keep Records Current
Be sure to keep your child’s allergen list up-to-date for both the classroom and for the school records!
Discuss with the Teacher
Be aware of classroom activities that may expose your child to his/her food triggers (such as art/sensory play activities)
Supportive Relationships
Just as you want the school staff to support you as a parent, let staff know that you support them! Appreciation goes a long way and can help to further cement a strong relationship between parents and school staff!
Special Resources, Just for FPIES
Appropriate management is key in helping our children to safely and positively experience their school life. This can be done in part by passing on FPIES specific education materials to teachers and school staff by parents.
In the Event of A Reaction
Safety for Each & Every Day
- Medical Alert bracelets listing “trigger foods”
- FPIES ER wallet card
- FPIES awareness card
Preventing Reactions
Resources that explain how to prevent potential exposures/reactions
Coping with Stress
This book can help your child to put feelings into words:
Additional Resources:
- Multiple Resources and Forms from AllergyHome.org
- From Global Genes: RARE Toolkits, Advocating for your child with a rare disease at their school.
- From FARE: Guidance for Parents on managing food allergies in schools
- From the CDC: Guidelines for Managing Food Allergies in Schools and Early Care and Education Programs
- From the U.S. Dept. of Education— information about Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- From the U.S. Dept. of Education— information about IEPs
FPIES Foundation Articles: School Settings
Meet the School Psychologist
Written to help kids understand this professional’s role
Just For Kids
Visit the kids’ resource page here and check out kid-friendly tools to help your child better understand and cope with FPIES life.
Page published: Nov.11,2013. Last update: May 17, 2018. Copyright © 2013,The FPIES Foundation