I am an 'old' nurse/teacher, (my students are 11th/12th graders), and retiring in June. Regardless of allergy, what is vital is to know before something happens, is what to do when it does. In our school, the kids carry their own epipen or inhalers. If it is a condition that must be shared with the other kids and parents, then they can be part of the plan of what to do. I would talk to the parents, ask them what their ideal handling of their childs situation would be, write a lesson plan about the disease, an age appropriate explanation, maybe find a book, or dvd, or internet site to show the class, and then teach and practice what everyone would do in an emergency to help "Sam". Even the littlest can practice "sitting in their seat as quiet as a mouse". If it is a food allergy, involve the kids in fun nutrition, construct a menu with what Sam can eat, rather than what she can't, as you explain what will happen if she eats what she shouldn't. Kids always want to know the consequences.... It's important to talk about the scary parts, like EMS or an ambulance, and role assignments, like, who will go to the office, or call 911. And about teasing, or mockery, or bullying. God Bless you in your profession, and thanks for caring enough to ask,
God knows, even if I don't....
CNS Lupus 2005, APS, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Meds: Plaquenil, Neurontin, Thyroid, Piroxicam, Aspirin, Atenolol and Norvasc, Prednisone 5mg daily and Paxil, Ambien every night.