The Loudoun Allergy Network (LAN) School Action Group was formed to
advocate for consistent, county-wide food allergy management policies in
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS). The School Action Group has
worked with the School Board, LCPS Administration and various LCPS
Committees to promote safety and full inclusion of students with food
allergies. Members of the School Action Group meet with families
providing individual assistance by reviewing guidelines. They assist
parents preparing to enroll their children in school and to understand
the 504 process and Individual Health Care Plans. If you need
assistance, please contact the LAN School Action Group. Visit our Section 504 page to read more about Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Early in the calendar year (January or February), parents should become familiar with LCPS food allergy management policies and guidelines. Please review the new LCPS guidelines, "Caring for Students with Food Allergies in School". After completing this research, parents should request a meeting with the principal, assistant principal, health care aid/school nurse and resource nurse to discuss their child's specific needs. FAAN's (now FARE) booklet, "Off To School With Food Allergies" has a helpful checklist. During this meeting, parents should encourage their school staff (classroom teacher, health clinic assistant, guidance counselor) to attend the FARE conference.
Following this meeting, parents should determine whether they wish to request a Section 504 Plan. Further information about 504 plans can be obtained in FAAN's (now FARE) "Students With Food Allergies: How The Laws Can Help" booklet. We have copies in our Lending Library. LAN School Action Group members are available for advice or parents may wish to hire an educational rights advocate.
If a student with food allergies will eat cafeteria food, it is recommended that the parent submit a Physician's Statements for Special Dietary Needs found on page 60 in the LCPS food allergy management guidelines. Please note that this form will need a physician's signature. After the parent submits the completed form to the LCPS Food Services Supervisor, Food Services will schedule a meeting to discuss the menu and provide manufacturer information. After you have reviewed the menu and contacted manufacturers as needed to determine which menu items are safe for your child, food services will schedule a meeting with your cafeteria manager to discuss the accommodations necessary to avoid cross contamination. If no safe options are available, the cafeteria is required to provide an alternate safe lunch. It is recommended that the parent provide written information to the cafeteria manager indicating which menu items and foods are not safe. It is also advisable that the parent provide a copy of the monthly menu highlighting the safe foods and indicating unsafe foods to the teacher and cafeteria manager. When the teacher submits the cafeteria list, (s)he should indicate your child's selection. You may wish to have your child at the front of the hot lunch line, so the server has time to recognize him/her. Additionally, a limited number of unsafe selections, such as cookies and ice cream can be blocked in the cashiers system. Contact the School Action Group for assistance, including manufacturer information inquiries.
Early in the calendar year (January or February), parents should become familiar with LCPS food allergy management policies and guidelines. Please review the new LCPS guidelines, "Caring for Students with Food Allergies in School". After completing this research, parents should request a meeting with the principal, assistant principal, health care aid/school nurse and resource nurse to discuss their child's specific needs. FAAN's (now FARE) booklet, "Off To School With Food Allergies" has a helpful checklist. During this meeting, parents should encourage their school staff (classroom teacher, health clinic assistant, guidance counselor) to attend the FARE conference.
Following this meeting, parents should determine whether they wish to request a Section 504 Plan. Further information about 504 plans can be obtained in FAAN's (now FARE) "Students With Food Allergies: How The Laws Can Help" booklet. We have copies in our Lending Library. LAN School Action Group members are available for advice or parents may wish to hire an educational rights advocate.
If a student with food allergies will eat cafeteria food, it is recommended that the parent submit a Physician's Statements for Special Dietary Needs found on page 60 in the LCPS food allergy management guidelines. Please note that this form will need a physician's signature. After the parent submits the completed form to the LCPS Food Services Supervisor, Food Services will schedule a meeting to discuss the menu and provide manufacturer information. After you have reviewed the menu and contacted manufacturers as needed to determine which menu items are safe for your child, food services will schedule a meeting with your cafeteria manager to discuss the accommodations necessary to avoid cross contamination. If no safe options are available, the cafeteria is required to provide an alternate safe lunch. It is recommended that the parent provide written information to the cafeteria manager indicating which menu items and foods are not safe. It is also advisable that the parent provide a copy of the monthly menu highlighting the safe foods and indicating unsafe foods to the teacher and cafeteria manager. When the teacher submits the cafeteria list, (s)he should indicate your child's selection. You may wish to have your child at the front of the hot lunch line, so the server has time to recognize him/her. Additionally, a limited number of unsafe selections, such as cookies and ice cream can be blocked in the cashiers system. Contact the School Action Group for assistance, including manufacturer information inquiries.
