How does Oakton Elementary handle food allergies?

[Anonymous]

My child will start Kindergarten at Oakton next year and I am concerned because she has a severe food allergy (requires epi-pen). The food allergy is not nuts, it is something more rare but the allergen is in a lot of different foods and I have to constantly read labels. I'm worried about how she will do in a large public school class with this food allergy. Currently she is in a small, attentive preschool where all the teachers know about her allergy and they are very careful about snacks and lunch.

[Anonymous]

Public schools are required to accommodate all kids. You might want to make an appointment with the health clinic attendant and speak with the teacher just before school starts (at the open house).

As for food allergies, most FCPS schools have "peanut free" lunch tables and I'm sure something similar can be worked out for your child's case if needed. Kids are taught that they absolutely may not share food. But, ultimately, your child has to be taught by you not to take/eat other people's food. You can expect that your child's teacher will be alert to any food that is shared in class for parties/bdays. Usually parents of kids with allergies give the teacher a stash of "safe treats" to give to their child when there is a bday and treats are offered by the bday child. Your child is then given the safe treat that you provided instead of the bday treat being handed out.

It's really a partnership with you, the teacher and your child. Your child is now expected to be more responsible about knowing what his/her limitations are re: allergies.

[Anonymous]

OES is very good with this stuff, especially in the younger grades. All parents get notified of allergies in the classroom and are asked to avoid those allergens. E.g. if someone has a nut allergy, no nuts allowed as snacks. This eases over time as the kids age and understand their limitations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OES is very good with this stuff, especially in the younger grades. All parents get notified of allergies in the classroom and are asked to avoid those allergens. E.g. if someone has a nut allergy, no nuts allowed as snacks. This eases over time as the kids age and understand their limitations.

OP here. Thank you for this info. What about at lunch time? I'm worried about my child trying other's food and not being properly supervised. His allergen is in so many foods that he won't know what is safe and what is not unless told specifically by a trusted adult who reads labels.