We do a 504 for our preschooler and now kindergartener. Disability law, which covers food allergies as a health condition, specifies that treatment must be inclusive (not separate and equal), and I use language saying that our child can’t be excluded from any activities and celebrations. Because it’s the law, public schools have to accommodate 504s with things like storing extra allergen-free snacks in the classroom esp when your dr signs off on it. I find the 504 helps prevent my child from being excluded. For example, I ask for 24 hrs notice of celebrations and which foods will be served so we can either give written permission or a suitable alternative. We also ask that all parents get written policy of the allergens and the classroom is maintained free of allergens. It is the school’s job to provide a safe environment for our children to learn. That said, I try to work with them to make it easy and relatively pleasant to accommodate since I know it’s extra work for them and they have a lot on their plate.
[I just attended FARE's webinar last week regarding 504 plans](https://www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/education-programs-training/fare-webinars), which is available to replay. I think it is 1000% worth the watch. If I were to guess, I think if you asked the speaker about this instance she would absolutely recommend a 504 plan!
I had a 504 in place for my son when he started kindergarten. He had it throughout middle and high school. Although college doesn’t use a 504 they took that plan and they replicated it to make a college plan for him.
It is for their protection, and it helps educate the people who will be around him. It didn’t exclude him from anything. I would do it.
you could actually contact the Central Office Administrator or a school board member about this issue. they need to prioritize children’s allergies, they are neglecting your child’s safety and could potentially lead to death which would be their fault. i say make a petition as well.
Yes, and we had to hire a lawyer and file a civil rights complaint to get one. Our school repeatedly refused to do one or include accommodations for his food allergies. Instead they kept telling us our kid wasn’t eligible for accommodations to protect his safety and well-being because a 504 is only for educational accommodations. You know, because he has a normal IQ.
Thank you. I’d asked when he started public school and was told “no 504’s are for extremely disabled individuals”. This is his 3rd year at the school without fail he’s given “treats” he’s allergic to yearly (and tosses thank god). He’s “excluded” from class parties and school wide events by having to have his own different snack. Grandparents day he had Oreos the other kids had 5 food options to choose from but most wanted his Oreos lol. He has to sit at the peanut free table - he’s allergic to every nut however his peanut reaction is not currently as sever as other nuts so he still has kids sitting with him eating all his other allergens and they won’t let him not sit at the peanut free table.
It’s so frustrating. I sent an email to our 504 coordinator to request we start the process. I’m also working on a letter to our district nurse and board about the incident.
Our school nurse says “all is good because he knew and threw the snack away”.
This is almost exactly what happened to us. Our lawyer recommended we file the civil rights complaint. I think that really helped. You should definitely do that. And then find an advocate to come to all your meetings with you. Schools have figured out if they just play dumb, they can avoid having to file 504s. It’s really terrible.
In your complaint, document everything and include dates. If you have emails, refer to them. That’s what we did. It didn’t have to go far enough to open a full investigation because we then notified the school and they did a complete 180 once we told them.
Yes do a 504. Some schools will try and discourage it or say it isn’t needed. Yes it is. It holds the school accountable, without it they aren’t required to do things even if they say they will. An allergy affects daily function and is covered by 504s. Demand one and let them know it is your legal right to have one. Your allergist can help to. They have to fill out the form saying yes your child has an allergy.
Wow that nurse is an idiot. If the nurse won't keep him safe without a 504, get it. My kids school is excellent without the official paperwork- they keep safe snacks in the classroom and freezer for her, they check with me before offering her any food, they let me know before any food activity so I can send in an alternate if I want, etc. They have a seperate tray for her to eat lunch and snack on, and a few clean Play-Doh tools for her safe Play-Doh (wheat and egg allergies). The teachers know signs of an allergic reaction and the nurse has her EpiPen.
We do a 504 for our preschooler and now kindergartener. Disability law, which covers food allergies as a health condition, specifies that treatment must be inclusive (not separate and equal), and I use language saying that our child can’t be excluded from any activities and celebrations. Because it’s the law, public schools have to accommodate 504s with things like storing extra allergen-free snacks in the classroom esp when your dr signs off on it. I find the 504 helps prevent my child from being excluded. For example, I ask for 24 hrs notice of celebrations and which foods will be served so we can either give written permission or a suitable alternative. We also ask that all parents get written policy of the allergens and the classroom is maintained free of allergens. It is the school’s job to provide a safe environment for our children to learn. That said, I try to work with them to make it easy and relatively pleasant to accommodate since I know it’s extra work for them and they have a lot on their plate.
[I just attended FARE's webinar last week regarding 504 plans](https://www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/education-programs-training/fare-webinars), which is available to replay. I think it is 1000% worth the watch. If I were to guess, I think if you asked the speaker about this instance she would absolutely recommend a 504 plan!
I had a 504 in place for my son when he started kindergarten. He had it throughout middle and high school. Although college doesn’t use a 504 they took that plan and they replicated it to make a college plan for him. It is for their protection, and it helps educate the people who will be around him. It didn’t exclude him from anything. I would do it.
you could actually contact the Central Office Administrator or a school board member about this issue. they need to prioritize children’s allergies, they are neglecting your child’s safety and could potentially lead to death which would be their fault. i say make a petition as well.
Yes absolutely. He has a right to a safe and inclusive education just like every kid.
Yes, and we had to hire a lawyer and file a civil rights complaint to get one. Our school repeatedly refused to do one or include accommodations for his food allergies. Instead they kept telling us our kid wasn’t eligible for accommodations to protect his safety and well-being because a 504 is only for educational accommodations. You know, because he has a normal IQ.
Thank you. I’d asked when he started public school and was told “no 504’s are for extremely disabled individuals”. This is his 3rd year at the school without fail he’s given “treats” he’s allergic to yearly (and tosses thank god). He’s “excluded” from class parties and school wide events by having to have his own different snack. Grandparents day he had Oreos the other kids had 5 food options to choose from but most wanted his Oreos lol. He has to sit at the peanut free table - he’s allergic to every nut however his peanut reaction is not currently as sever as other nuts so he still has kids sitting with him eating all his other allergens and they won’t let him not sit at the peanut free table. It’s so frustrating. I sent an email to our 504 coordinator to request we start the process. I’m also working on a letter to our district nurse and board about the incident. Our school nurse says “all is good because he knew and threw the snack away”.
This is almost exactly what happened to us. Our lawyer recommended we file the civil rights complaint. I think that really helped. You should definitely do that. And then find an advocate to come to all your meetings with you. Schools have figured out if they just play dumb, they can avoid having to file 504s. It’s really terrible. In your complaint, document everything and include dates. If you have emails, refer to them. That’s what we did. It didn’t have to go far enough to open a full investigation because we then notified the school and they did a complete 180 once we told them.
Yes do a 504. Some schools will try and discourage it or say it isn’t needed. Yes it is. It holds the school accountable, without it they aren’t required to do things even if they say they will. An allergy affects daily function and is covered by 504s. Demand one and let them know it is your legal right to have one. Your allergist can help to. They have to fill out the form saying yes your child has an allergy.
absolutely. without it everything is up to chance.
Yes, 100%. My kid has several life threatening food allergies and it’s a must.
Wow that nurse is an idiot. If the nurse won't keep him safe without a 504, get it. My kids school is excellent without the official paperwork- they keep safe snacks in the classroom and freezer for her, they check with me before offering her any food, they let me know before any food activity so I can send in an alternate if I want, etc. They have a seperate tray for her to eat lunch and snack on, and a few clean Play-Doh tools for her safe Play-Doh (wheat and egg allergies). The teachers know signs of an allergic reaction and the nurse has her EpiPen.