Celiac children (and their parents) face unique challenges at school. I’ve already written an article on this subject and updated it this morning to make sure all the information was still appropriate.  You may also want to check out my newly updated article on gluten free school supplies. Yes, children put their fingers in their mouths after handling things like play dough and finger paint. I’d like to follow-up on those articles with three personal observations:

  I was a teacher for 38 years. During that time, I never heard the terms “celiac disease” or “gluten free diet” . Things have improved in the past decade, but it is quite possible that your conversation with your child’s teacher, school nurse, or principal will be hearing about these things for the first time during your conversation with them. Be patient, informative, and assertive with them. They will probably appreciate your expertise and your willingness to help.

  Remember that no teacher can guarantee that a “gluten accident” will not occur in their classroom, any more than the chef at a fine restaurant can tell you with absolute certainty that cross-contamination is impossible in his or her restaurant. All that can be done is to be sure that the situation is as safe as it possibly can be.

  My granddaughter will be entering kindergarten this fall. She does not have celiac disease, but she does have important food sensitivities and takes responsibility for her own safety. She takes a “safe snack” with her whenever she is with other children. She knows that she can give part of her snack to other kids but that she is not free to trade snacks. She regularly asks if a food is OK for her. (Actually, everyone in the family is very careful but we encourage her to ask questions). She has been known to point to the ingredients list on a package and ask an adult to read it to her. She regularly reminds me that I must eat gluten free; “defensive dining” is part of her lifestyle. She’ll do well in kindergarten. She is aware of her responsibility for dealing with her food sensitivity. Of course, the adults in her life have primary responsibility, but she is willing, well trained, and ready to do her part.

 Published 7/26/08