Medically reviewed by
Roopen R. Patel, MD
As students head back to school, parents and educators face the important task of creating a safe environment for children with allergies and asthma. A comprehensive school allergy management plan is essential to protect students and ensure they can focus on learning without health concerns.
Carolina Asthma and Allergy Center has compiled this essential back to school asthma checklist to help parents, teachers, and students navigate the challenges of the school year while managing allergies and asthma effectively. Our pediatric allergy management experts understand the unique needs of school-age children and the importance of coordinated care between home, school, and healthcare providers.
Jump Ahead
Checklist for Parents
As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important advocate when it comes to school allergy management. Early preparation and clear communication with school staff can make the difference between a stressful school year and a successful one. This comprehensive checklist covers all the essential steps you need to take to ensure your child’s safety and help school personnel respond appropriately to any allergy or asthma emergencies.
| Task | Details | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
|
Notify School of Allergies |
Inform classroom teacher, school nurse, lunchroom staff, and administrators of all food allergies and asthma conditions |
2-3 weeks before school starts |
|
Complete Medical Forms |
Have physician complete emergency action plan, medication authorization forms, and 504 plan if needed |
1 month before school |
|
Develop School Allergy Management Plan |
Meet with school nurse to discuss allergen avoidance, emergency procedures, and medication administration protocols |
Before first day of school |
|
Provide Emergency Contacts |
Supply multiple contact numbers, email addresses, and emergency contact information |
During enrollment |
|
Stock Emergency Medications |
Ensure school has current EpiPens, inhalers, and other prescribed medications with proper expiration dates |
Before school starts and monthly checks |
|
Schedule Healthcare Provider Meeting |
Discuss school-specific concerns and update emergency action plan asthma protocols |
Before school starts |
Checklist for Teachers
Teachers and school staff are on the front lines of student safety and need comprehensive training to recognize and respond to allergy and asthma emergencies. This checklist ensures that all educational staff understand their responsibilities and are prepared to create a safe learning environment. Regular communication with parents and proper documentation are essential components of effective school nurse allergy training protocols.
| Responsibility | Action Required | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
|
Student Identification |
Maintain updated list of students with allergies/asthma, including photos and emergency procedures |
Beginning of year, updated as needed |
|
Staff Communication |
Ensure all relevant staff (substitutes, specialists, cafeteria workers) know about student allergies |
Ongoing throughout year |
|
Emergency Medication Access |
Know location of student medications and how to administer them properly |
Daily awareness |
|
Classroom Environment |
Remove or minimize known allergens from classroom materials and activities |
Ongoing |
|
Emergency Response Training |
Complete training on recognizing allergic reactions and asthma exacerbations |
Annual requirement |
|
Parent Communication |
Establish clear communication protocols for reporting incidents or concerns |
As needed |
Checklist for Students
Student self-advocacy becomes increasingly important as children grow older and spend more time away from direct parental supervision. Teaching children to understand their allergies and asthma, recognize symptoms, and communicate their needs effectively can be life-saving. These age-appropriate guidelines help students develop the confidence and skills they need to stay safe at school.
| Student Responsibility | Elementary (K-5) | Middle/High School (6-12) |
|---|---|---|
|
Know Your Allergies |
Can name main allergens with adult help |
Can clearly explain all allergies and triggers |
|
Medication Management |
Know where medication is stored |
Carry own medication and know how to use |
|
Seek Help |
Tell teacher immediately if feeling unwell |
Advocate for self and seek help when needed |
|
Food Safety |
Never share food or drinks |
Read labels and make safe food choices |
|
Hand Hygiene |
Wash hands regularly with reminders |
Maintain good hygiene independently |
|
Peer Education |
Help friends understand allergies |
Educate peers about allergies and emergency procedures |
Additional Safety Considerations
Beyond the basic checklists, there are several special situations that require additional planning and preparation to ensure student safety throughout the school year.
Field Trips and Special Events
When planning activities outside the regular school environment:
- Notify trip leaders of all student allergies
- Ensure emergency medications travel with the student
- Research restaurants and venues for allergen-safe options
- Have a detailed emergency action plan for off-site locations
Sports and Physical Activities
For students with exercise-induced asthma:
- Ensure coaches understand asthma triggers and symptoms
- Keep rescue inhalers easily accessible during activities
- Develop pre-exercise medication protocols
- Monitor air quality and pollen counts for outdoor activities
Emergency Action Plans
A well-designed emergency action plan asthma protocol can be life-saving. Every student with allergies or asthma should have:
- Student identification with photo
- Complete allergen list and severity levels
- Detailed symptom recognition guide
- Step-by-step treatment protocols
- Emergency contact information
- Physician and pharmacy details
- Medication list with dosages and administration instructions
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of face, lips, or tongue
- Rapid pulse or dizziness
- Widespread rash or hives
- Nausea, vomiting, or severe stomach pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe anxiety
Understanding Common School Allergy Triggers
Schools present unique environmental challenges for children with allergies and asthma. Understanding these common triggers can help parents and school staff better prepare for potential issues.
Food Allergens in Schools
- Cross-contamination in cafeterias and classrooms
- Holiday parties and celebrations with outside food
- Art and craft supplies containing allergens
- Science experiments using food products
Environmental Triggers
- Dust and mold in older school buildings
- Cleaning products and air fresheners
- Outdoor allergens brought inside on clothing
- Playground equipment and outdoor learning spaces
- Poor indoor air quality during high pollen allergy seasons
Asthma Triggers at School
- Physical education activities and exercise-induced asthma
- Cold air during outdoor activities
- Strong scents from cleaning products or perfumes
- Stress from academic or social situations
- Respiratory infections spreading in classroom settings
Quick Assessment Tool
Is Your School Ready for Students with Allergies and Asthma?
Our Allergy and Asthma Report Card helps school administrators, nurses, teachers, parents, and healthcare providers evaluate their school’s current environment and policies to create safer learning spaces for students with allergies and asthma.
This detailed assessment covers:
- Environmental factors (air quality, pest management, humidity control)
- Classroom safety protocols and furniture choices
- Staff education and emergency response training
- Asthma management policies and medication access
- Food allergy prevention and emergency procedures
- Communication plans between school and families
Allergy Management Guide
Download Our Allergy Management Guide
While this checklist focuses on school preparation, managing allergies is a year-round responsibility that extends into the workplace and college environments. This comprehensive 16-page resource includes detailed protocols, emergency action plans, and expert guidance from our board-certified Charlotte allergists for managing allergies and asthma.
Our detailed guide provides:
- Workplace allergy and asthma management strategies for various industries
- College campus safety protocols for students with allergies and asthma
- Employer accommodation guidelines and safe working environment recommendations
- Emergency response protocols for allergic reactions and asthma attacks
- Industry-specific allergen awareness (construction, restaurants, healthcare, etc.)
- Personal management techniques for both professional and academic settings
Expert Guidance for School Success
Don’t let allergies interfere with your child’s education. Our experienced pediatric allergy management team can help develop a comprehensive school allergy management plan tailored to your child’s specific needs.
Contact Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center today to schedule an appointment at one of our 16 convenient locations. With proper preparation and professional guidance, your child can have a safe, successful school year.
