Kids Come First will ensure that:
- All Supervisors collect information about the child’s medical condition at the time of registration. Families will meet with Supervisor and (if applicable) the food service staff to discuss all allergies and food restrictions.
- The families and employees are provided with updated information and awareness of the allergies & current policies.
- Ongoing communication with all parents is established to create awareness and support for children at risk. Parents will be reminded through letters, newsletters and signs to be aware of potential allergens and to avoid using them in the program.
- Signs will be posted to indicate that Kids Come First is a nut and peanut free environment.
- Signs will also be posted to indicate what other allergens are not to be allowed on the property. These lists will be revised as necessary depending on the life threatening allergies of the children enrolled.
- Avoidance of the allergen that causes anaphylactic reactions whenever possible.
- An emergency response procedure in case of accidental exposure to allergens.
- Medication for allergic reactions will be kept in safe but accessible location that is known to all staff and volunteers.
- Training for staff and students is held prior to commencing employment, and when a new child is registered and annually each fall.
ANAPHYLAXIS EMERGENCY PLAN
Kids Come First will create an Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan binder that will be available to staff and any volunteers that are in the program. This binder will include a communication plan and the child’s individual plan for emergency procedures in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.
COMMUNICATION PLAN
Kids Come First will develop a communication plan to identify the following information and to ensure that the information has been shared with parents, staff, students and volunteers:
- An anaphylactic reaction form with a recent picture will be posted in each classroom to identify children with life threatening allergies that will include general information about the allergens and causative agents as well as the signs and symptoms of the life threatening allergy. This form will also give consent for the administration of epinephrine (i.e. EPI-PEN) to a child exhibiting symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction.
- A list of known allergies of the enrolled children will be posted in all activity rooms, eating areas and food preparation areas.
- Notices will be sent out to inform families, staff, students, and volunteers of the life threatening allergies at the center. These notices will also include any foods and/or any causative agents to be avoided.
- Parents will provide information about their child’s medical condition including whether children are at risk of anaphylaxis.
- The allergic child and the children that are in the program will be educated on avoidance strategies and sharing of food.
- Kids Come First provides all snacks and meals through our own kitchens. In the event that an outside caterer is required, a list of foods/causative agents will be provided so that appropriate food substitutes can be made.
- These strategies will be reviewed regularly by the supervisor to ensure that the risk of exposure to life threatening allergies. (a minimum of annually)