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The start of a new school year brings the usual buzz of school supplies, class lists, and new routines. But for parents of children with allergies, it also brings a very real undercurrent of anxiety. Will the teacher remember their peanut allergy? Will their EpiPen be accessible if needed? Will the lunchroom be safe?

If you’ve ever dropped your child off with a pit in your stomach, unsure if they’ll be safe for the next seven hours, you’re not alone—and you’re not without support. At Harker Heights Allergy, we understand the stakes. That’s why we’ve created this smart, practical checklist to help parents prepare their children (and their schools) for a safe, confident year ahead.

Whether your child is managing food allergies, environmental triggers, or asthma, this step-by-step guide will help you start the year strong.

Introduction to Food Allergies

Food allergies are more common than ever, affecting millions of children across the United States. A food allergy happens when a child’s immune system reacts to certain foods as if they are dangerous, even when they are not. This can lead to an allergic reaction, which may range from mild symptoms like hives or stomach pain to severe, life-threatening reactions.

Managing food allergies in schools is a team effort. Parents, school staff, and students with food allergies all play a role in keeping the classroom safe. The most common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. For children with food allergies, strict avoidance of these certain foods is essential to prevent allergic reactions.

Education is key. By understanding the basics of food allergies—what they are, how they happen, and which foods to watch out for—we can help protect students and create a safe educational environment. When everyone in the school community is informed and prepared, children with food allergies can learn and thrive alongside their peers.

Communicate with the School Early

Don’t wait until “Meet the Teacher” night to bring up your child’s medical needs. As a parent, it’s important to initiate early communication and planning with your child’s school before the next school year begins. Collaborate with the school team—including the principal, school nurse, teacher, and cafeteria staff—to ensure everyone is aware of your child’s allergies and prepared to support a safe environment.

Let them know your child’s allergies, how reactions present, and what steps should be taken in an emergency. Share any existing documents like medical diagnoses or prior emergency room reports.

Checklist Item: Confirm your child’s allergy action plan is on file and up to date. Make sure it’s easy to locate and reviewed by anyone interacting with your child during the school day.

If your child is moving to a new school district, review and update all plans with the new school team to ensure a smooth transition.

Build Your Child’s Allergy Action Plan

Your allergist is your best partner here. At Harker Heights Allergy, we work with families to create a written, personalized anaphylaxis emergency plan or allergy action plan that is easy for school staff to understand and follow. Early planning and accommodations are essential for your child’s care as the new school year approaches. Be sure to consult your child’s doctor to determine if your child is ready to self-manage their allergy, carry their epinephrine, and to obtain any necessary documentation for school accommodations. Your plan should clearly explain:

• Symptoms of mild vs. severe reactions
• When and how to administer medication
• Emergency contacts
• Steps to take after medication is given
• Asthma-related instructions, if relevant

Checklist Item: Send copies of the completed action plan, tailored for each student, to the nurse, teacher, front office, and any extracurricular staff or coaches.

Medications & Access

If your child has an allergy that may require epinephrine, make sure the school has access to an up-to-date, clearly labeled EpiPen or other prescribed medication. In some schools, students are allowed to carry their own meds—check local policies to see what applies. Ask if the school has stock epinephrine available for emergencies when your child’s own medication is not accessible.

Pro tip: Label everything. And not just with your child’s name—label it with dosage instructions, expiration dates, and your contact info.

Checklist Item: Confirm where your child’s medication will be stored and who has access. Is it in the nurse’s office? A locked cabinet? With your child at all times?

Safe Snacks & Lunches for Food Allergies

Navigating lunchtime at school can be one of the biggest sources of stress for parents of children with allergies. Don’t just send food and hope for the best—make a plan.

Pack foods that are safe, familiar, and clearly labeled. Always read labels on packaged foods to check for allergens before sending them to school. If your child eats school lunch, request a detailed ingredient list or speak with food services directly. It’s also important to communicate with cafeteria staff to ensure they are aware of your child’s allergies and can help manage safe meal preparation. Some families opt to send a stash of allergy-safe treats to be kept on hand in the classroom for birthday parties or celebrations.

Checklist Item: Create a rotating list of go-to, allergy-safe lunch and snack ideas to reduce morning stress. Bonus points for options your child loves and actually eats.

Educate and Empower Your Child

This part can be tough, especially for younger children, but it’s also incredibly important. Kids need to understand the basics of their allergies in an age-appropriate way. For elementary school students, participating in education programs focused on allergy awareness and self-management can help them build confidence and stay safe. Using classroom resources, such as posters or interactive activities, can further support children in understanding and managing their allergies.

That means teaching them not to share food, to speak up if something seems wrong, and how to recognize when they don’t feel right.

Consider doing role-play at home: “What do you do if someone offers you a snack?” or “What do you say if you feel your throat tightening?”

Checklist Item: Review safety rules with your child at least weekly during the first month of school, then monthly as a refresher.

Inform and Involve Key Staff

Don’t assume that everyone who needs to know does. Go beyond just the classroom teacher. Notify bus drivers, aides, lunch monitors, after-school program staff—anyone who might be with your child throughout the day. Make sure that school bus drivers are trained in allergy safety protocols and know how to respond to emergencies. School nurses can play a key role by providing training and support for staff managing students with allergies. Encourage staff to take advantage of free online training resources to improve their preparedness for allergy emergencies.

Create a mini “allergy card” with a photo of your child, their allergens, and instructions for emergency care. It’s quick to read and easy to share.

Checklist Item: Distribute quick-reference allergy cards or infographics to all relevant staff. Ask if they are trained in using an EpiPen—and if not, offer to provide instructions or a video tutorial link.

Field Trips and Special Events

Field trips, classroom celebrations, and special events are highlights of the school year, but they can also bring extra challenges for students with food allergies. To keep these experiences safe and fun, it’s important for parents, school staff, and students to work together from the start.

Before any event, review all food labels carefully and avoid foods that could contain hidden allergens or risk cross-contamination. Make sure an emergency care plan is in place and that staff members know how to respond to food allergy emergencies, including how to use an epinephrine auto-injector if needed.

Empowering students with food allergies to self-manage is also crucial. Teach children how to read food labels, ask questions about ingredients, and speak up if they feel unsure about a food. By involving everyone in the planning process and providing the right support, schools can ensure that all students—including those with food allergies—can safely participate in field trips and special events, making memories without worry.

Clarify Classroom and School Policies

Not all schools handle allergy management the same way. It’s important to understand your school’s specific allergy management policies, as these can vary. Many schools have established evidence-based protocols for managing food allergies, such as nut-free classrooms or zones, while others may allow birthday cupcakes from home. You need to know exactly what policies are in place—and what accommodations are available if your child needs more than the standard support.

Ask about field trip procedures, substitute teacher protocols, and how the school alerts you in case of a reaction. Refer to the CDC’s voluntary guidelines for managing food allergies in schools and early care programs, which outline practical recommendations and planning steps. When reviewing your school’s policies, ensure that priority areas—such as prevention, emergency response, and staff training—are addressed in the allergy management plan.

If needed, request a formal 504 Plan, which provides legal accommodations for students with medical conditions, including allergies.

Checklist Item: Request a written copy of the school’s allergy, snack, and emergency policies for your records.

Monitor and Check-In Regularly

Your job isn’t over once school starts. In fact, that’s when the real partnership begins. Keep the lines of communication open—check in with your child daily and teachers weekly (at least during the first month). Children living with food allergies may be at greater risk during times of transition or when routines change, such as field trips or special events, so ongoing vigilance is essential. Ask questions like:

• Did anyone bring in unsafe snacks?
• Did anything make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe?
• How did lunchtime go?
• And don’t be afraid to adjust the plan if something isn’t working. This isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation.

Checklist Item: Set a recurring monthly reminder to check in with your child and the school about how the allergy plan is functioning.

Set the Stage for a Safe and Confident Year

You can’t be there every second of the school day—but with solid planning and clear communication, you don’t have to be. At Harker Heights Allergy, we believe that allergy management is a team effort—between families, medical professionals, and school communities.

Being prepared for a severe allergic reaction is crucial—everyone involved should know how to respond quickly and effectively. Early care and education programs play a vital role in establishing strong food allergy management practices and emergency response plans from the very beginning of your child’s educational journey.

By building a strong safety net of informed adults, empowering your child with tools and knowledge, and staying proactive throughout the year, you’re giving your child the best chance to thrive—not just survive—in the classroom.

We’re here to help every step of the way. If you need support building your child’s allergy action plan, updating prescriptions, or preparing for a 504 meeting, schedule a visit with your Harker Heights Allergy provider. Because when we work together, school becomes a safer place for every child.

Let’s make this your child’s healthiest, happiest school year yet.