Your child is getting a bit older, and he or she often wants to participate more in the care of their diabetes. In fact, they often feel they can do their care by themselves, particularly near the later part of elementary school. They are encouraged to participate, but always with an adult (teacher, aide or nurse) directly supervising every aspect of the care, including the blood sugar checks, insulin dose calculation and administration, and completion of food intake. Even if your son or daughter seems capable of being independent, they often make mistakes at this age. In addition, the play at school becomes increasingly more active on the playground. This can lead to hypoglycemia either during or shortly after the activity
Be sure to meet the teachers and explain how your son or daughter acts with either low or high blood sugars, as symptoms of each may or may not be recognized by the child, but such symptoms are often obvious to parents. Open communication between you and the school is the most important thing to ensure that your child has a fun and safe experience at school. Below we have included a few helpful references:
- Diabetes Medical Management Plan
- 504 Plan: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/diabetes-c...
- Sample 504 Plans and IEPs: http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/504/
- How Child Care Providers Can Help Care for Children with Type 1 Diabetes: Part 1
- Classroom Presentation on Diabetes for Elementary School Age Children
- Helping the Student With Diabetes Succeed: A Guide For School Personnel
- What Shocked Us Most - Having Type 1 Diabetes in Elementary School
- State Laws, Regulations, and Policies For School Diabetes Care
- Classroom Presentation on Diabetes for Elementary School Age Children
- Teachers Talk: “5 Things Moms Of Kids With Type 1 Taught Me”
- Schoolgirl’s Case Shows Need For Care Team
- Type 1 Diabetes School Pack