Quote:Originally posted by Gail W:
[b] Not necessarily. It depends on who requires the rule. [/b]
In my situation, the "no food in the classroom" was initiated and implemented [i]by the school.[/i] It was our assertion that label reading was necessary, and their assertion that label reading was too time consuming and cumbersome for staff to implement. They saw label reading interferring with the school's 'smooth functioning' (or something to that effect). So we requested label reading and the school asserted that it was not practical/implementable. "No food" was their solution because it was clear, consistent (a.k.a. universal), and implementable. We expressed concerns that there would be 'backlash' or resentment with this change, and in response the school spun the situation in their presentation (e.g. rationale was to keep the room clean, that lunch time was at a time that kids did not need a snack, etc).
No credibility issues here. Nope.
[/B][/quote]
so how did that work out with the "study group"? I'm trying to remember. It just seems like if the rule is [i]too "universal"[/i], they might be able to flip the tables on you sometimes. You know, circumnavigate.
Didn't [i]your own 504C try to do that?[/i]
But, yes. Might they try to change their criteria. Rationalize? Again, isn't that what your 504C attempted to do?
I take it "food free" isn't written into your 504? That it is a "school policy"? Or is it [i]specific to your 504[/i]? Would the "food free" classroom necessarily exist without [i]your[/i] 504? If it is [/i]specific to your 504[/i], then regardless of how "universal" the [i]rational[/i] is, it isn't very "universal". It's [i]specific[/i]. Specific to [i]your child[/i].

Quote:Originally posted by MommaBear:
[b] so how did that work out with the "study group"? I'm trying to remember. It just seems like if the rule is [i]too "universal"[/i], they might be able to flip the tables on you sometimes. You know, circumnavigate.
Didn't [i]your own 504C try to do that?[/i] [/b]
The "no food in the classroom" was in elementary school (2nd, 3rd and 4th grades) under an IHP. In fifth grade it was changed to "fruit and veggies only". We didn't have any problems related to classroom snacks those years.
Re: the "study groups" in 6th grade at the Middle School. . . .Mariah had received the 504 designation at the end of 5th grade. Our 504 plan for 6th grade stated foods served in the classroom were "pre-approved", and yes you are correct that the 504 C attempted to renig that accommodation. . . when she agreed to the accommodation she was unaware of the existence of the lunch-time study groups held in the classroom. I'm sure you recall that we considered holding the school to the original accommodation, but pursued cleaning procedures instead. [url="http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/Forum7/HTML/002096.html"]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/Forum7/HTML/002096.html[/url]
Does that answer your question?
[This message has been edited by Gail W (edited March 27, 2007).]

hi - i have not read every post in this discussion - however i do see all sides of the picture.
in my sons classroom there are 2 children with food allergies - both are allergic to peanuts - however the other allergies vary greatly - my son has soy, corn, and many fruits the other boy has milk, egg and others.
so - we created a common "safe" snack list for the class that did not contain peanuts or nuts -- all kids in the class bring in one or 2 boxes of snacks at the beginning of the year from this list - i can check them or the teacher - if they are on the list great - if not they go to another kdg class.
however our 2 boys do not eat it - EVER - they each pack a snack that meets their specific needs. this is for parties etc. too
so far this has worked - our boys also keep a treat box in case an unplanned snack happens.
i am amazed at how well this has worked - it may not be for everyone - but both of us moms feel good about and the teacher feels good too.

Quote:Originally posted by chanda4:
[b]I agree with the NEVER, EVER FEED MY CHILD!! That is my rule too. he will ALWAYS have his own food, I don't care if there is a safe list or not, he will only eat what I put in his backpack that morning. [/b]
I agreed, too, when my daughter was in elementary. But now, at 13, we have made another arrangement that works for us.
Quote:Originally posted by MB:
[b]Let me be very clear. My child has never eaten anything at school that was deemed "safe" by a staff member reading a label. That's toying with my child's life. [/b]
I'm fortunate that I'm not the only person who is competent in reading an ingredient label. Our school R.N and the Director of Food Services are both qualified and competent . . . and our 504 plan utilizes them.
ETA: I'm fantasizing about a certification program avilable to school lunch programs re Food Allergies. Certificate of completion hanging on the Food Director's office wall. Would you be interested in developing and marketing that, MB? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]
[This message has been edited by Gail W (edited March 27, 2007).]

Quote:Originally posted by Gail W:
[b] I'm fortunate that I'm not the only person who is competent in reading an ingredient label. Our school R.N and the Director of Food Services are both qualified and competent . . . and our 504 plan utilizes them. [/b]
I'm not saying their not. [i]I've[/i] never assessed them. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/tongue.gif[/img] But what "qualifies" them and makes them "competent? (Seeing you're asking me to develop a certification tool....) How do you monitor their competency?
Actually, I can see the Food Services Director actually being more competent than the nurse in label reading...I think that their [b]combined[/b] efforts potentiate each other. They both have something to learn from each other. Unfortunately, my school district does not employ a "Food Services Director". I may be a nurse, but it's my ability as a parent of a food allergic child, more so than my ability as a nurse that qualifies me. Each potentiates the other.
Our hospital employs nurses, but they also employ nutritionists as well. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] I don't claim to know how to do her job.
Anywhooo, even tho I'm a nurse, I specialize in certain fields. I've been in those fields so long, that I almost have some [i]tunnel vision[/i] myself. If my employer bumped me to the "pediatric unit" (not intensive care pediatrics, just general pediatrics), I would [i]refuse[/i]. I'd lose my job over it. I'd quit first.
[i]I'm [b]no longer[/b] qualified in general pediatrics. [/i] When I graduated, sure, I would have taken the job, but now? It's been so long. Things change. I wouldn't know where to begin, even tho [i]I'm a mother of three[/i]. Ages 11, 7, 11 months.
As a matter of fact, my employer feels the same way. They are in the process of [i]certifying[/i] us all in PALS. Mind you, it's an emergency certification only. I *still* wouldn't feel competent enough to take charge of a pediatric patient. The only peds patients we get are larger, more "adult" like youths who have been in traumas. They are quickly transfered/flown out.
Quote:[b]ETA: I'm fantasizing about a certification program avilable to school lunch programs re Food Allergies. Certificate of completion hanging on the Food Director's office wall. Would you be interested in developing and marketing that, MB? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img][/b]
What's the hourly rate/salary? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] Gail, I punch a clock. I'm [i]lucky[/i] in that I'm employed outside the home. In addition to my "home" responsibilities. It's part of why you are able to say we have similiar lifestyles. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] I don't have the [i]luxury[/i] of doing those things for free.....
So. Are you offering me a paid position? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]
But yes, I too, have "trusted" people [b]I[/b] [i]deemed competent[/i] before. Remember my son's week long hospitalization this last September? (Mastoiditis thread)

Quote:I'm not saying their not. I've never assessed them. But what "qualifies" them and makes them "competent"?
Their demonstrated ability to preform this task. . . and their demonstrated understanding of the critical importance of the task. In short, they 'get it' and are extremely cautious.
Quote:How do you monitor their competency?
This is an interesting question because I do it passively. And it's not written into the 504. I do it by responding to their request, [i]insistance[/i] really, that I monitor them. They are motivated for *me* to monitor them [i]for their own protection as well as the protection of my daughter.[/i] It 'behooves' them. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] I mean, it doesn't surprise you that the nurse [i]documents [/i] my prior knowledge and [i]approval[/i] of the food, doesn't it? In the one instance that I wasn't consulted/infomed (prior to the food served) and I asked for documentation from the nurse, she seemed almost [i]panicked[/i] when she realized she hadn't actually obtained my 'consent'. Poor woman. LOL.
Quote:Originally posted by MommaBear:
What's the hourly rate/salary? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] Gail, I punch a clock. I'm [i]lucky[/i] in that I'm employed outside the home. In addition to my "home" responsibilities. It's part of why you are able to say we have similiar lifestyles. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] I don't have the [i]luxury[/i] of doing those things for free.....
Huh? Did I use the word[i] "lifestyles"[/i]? That surprises me. If I did, it was in error because I question that. But whatever, I understand what you're saying. No, I don't punch a clock, but the [i]financial income[/i] I have brought to our household since I've 'stayed home' is certainly. . . sizable. More than I ever made punching a clock or working in my trained profession. How we spend our time/income and what we consider a 'luxury' is certainly subjective IMO.
Quote:So. Are you offering me a paid position? [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]
[img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img] No,* I * don't have such a position to offer. I wish I did. But I wouldn't be surprised if you or someone could find/create such a paid position for yourself. It's a possible opportunity, but I'm not sure how much it would pay. Maybe the Food Alergy Project right there near you would be interested. . . they appear to have financial resources. There'd also be potential grant money. I really think this is possible, if you were interested.
Quote:But yes, I too, have "trusted" people [b]I[/b] [i]deemed competent[/i] before. Remember my son's week long hospitalization this last September? (Mastoiditis thread)
I do. It still gives me pause even now. Thank you for bringing it up as a reminder. . .
[This message has been edited by Gail W (edited March 27, 2007).]

Quote:Originally posted by Gail W:
[b]No, I don't punch a clock, but the financial income I have brought to our household since I've 'stayed home' is certainly. . . sizable. More than I ever made punching a clock or working in my trained profession. [/b]
Your assuming I haven't done the same...and...punched a clock as well. I remember the first house we had. I rehabbed it with my hubby. It precipitated by first "back event". I slept on the floor with my legs elevated on the couch for a good month after we did the floors...
2 months of physical therapy, and the sciatica in my leg (actually only thigh back when) was present even then. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img]
Honestly? Any money we made on that project, I'd gladly return for the option of not having sacrificed that portion of my back. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/wink.gif[/img] We did it entirely ourselves (had to), not a contractor involved. Came home the day after our wedding, moved in, and went to work.
Hubby and myself have considered and planned the last two residential moves. (after the rehab) I've always just considered it part of my spousal contribution to the homefront, (the investment of time and energy--I mean, doesn't *every* spouse do that? Shouldn't every spouse do that?) and not something extra-ordinary. We've made a TON. Well into the six figures. (It's a TON to me).
And we haven't had to rehab a thing. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/biggrin.gif[/img]. We try not to invite ourselves into using the equity. I don't consider it money we need to live off of. Or use as "disposable" income. More like: "if we REALLY REALLY HAVE TO". It's incredibly difficult to spend anyway. It's not like it arrives in our debit account "direct deposit, the way paychecks do. [b]I[/b] wouldn't set it up that way either. [b]I[/b] personally wouldn't have the guts to depend on it either. It's why I remain "gainfully employed".

Quote:Originally posted by chanda4:
[b] but can I ask what all of you would do if the school didn't side with you...in this situation?? What should I do?????????????
[/b]
Have you written to your Superintendent and/or Board of Education? Have you provided them with model policies for FA?