If you have a school-aged child with diabetes, you may be concerned about the school’s ability to help your child manage his or her condition. Testing blood sugar, administering medication, and managing diet and activity levels are all important aspects of care that cannot be neglected. As a parent, you will want to ensure that your child’s school is prepared to help your child manage diabetes during the school day. Here are five questions that you will want to discuss with staff at your child’s school to make sure that your child receives the proper care
1. Does your child have a Diabetes Medical Management Plan?
Also called a DMMP, this is a plan in writing from your child’s doctor that tells school staff what your child needs to do at school to manage diabetes. Your child’s diet and exercise restrictions, blood testing schedule, and medication schedule should all be included in this plan. Any school staff who assist or supervise your child with the management of his or her diabetes should have a copy of this plan.
2. How does your child’s school ensure that your child’s DMMP will be carried out during the school day?
Most schools will incorporate the DMMP into a Section 504 Accommodation Plan, which is developed to make sure that your child has access to all aspects of his or her education. You will be invited to be involved in developing this plan, so make sure that you take advantage of this opportunity. If your child requires special education, the DMMP may be documented in your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). You should also be actively involved in developing and revising the IEP.
3. Does your child’s school make sure that staff members who help your child manage blood sugar levels receive proper training?
You can check with the school nurse regarding training of staff, as he or she will most likely be responsible for overseeing any needed staff training.
4. Does your child’s school allow your child to be actively involved in managing his or her diabetes?
While the school staff is responsible for making sure that your child’s DMMP is followed, they may also take part in the opportunity to teach your child how to manage his or her diabetes. Talk to your child’s teachers and school nurse about education opportunities for your child. Education in what foods to eat, appropriate exercise, and how to check and adjust blood sugar levels can all be accomplished at school as well as at home. Work with your child’s teachers so that everyone is teaching your child these skills in the same manner and compliance with the DMMP.
5. Does your child’s teacher recognize when your child’s blood sugar is not right?
Make sure that the school staff is aware of how your child acts when his or her blood sugar is too high or too low. Staff may attribute the symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels as laziness or not enough sleep rather than a blood sugar problem. If your child’s teacher is aware of the symptoms, he or she can make sure that your child receives the appropriate medical attention.
Special thanks to Janet Meydam for writing this article.
