I have a question for all you parents out there...my son is in 1st grade, and the school he goes to does not allow his insulin pen into the classroom (or specifically to remain in his backpack).
So far this year, he has been bringing his meter (since they want this also not in his backpack) and insulin pen into the nurses office in the morning and then goes into class. However, this has been causing some problems with him being marked "tardy" quite often since for a 7 year old to reach the cabinet and do all the necessary steps to leave his supplies in the office requires a longer time.
I recently met with the school principal to discuss this issue, since I believe my son should be allowed to
A. leave his supplies in his backpack until he is tested at morning recess or B. go to class first, check in with the teacher and then be excused to drop it off. The response we have received is that Austin needs to "step up his morning routine" and "that he is always going to have to deal with accomodating his routine in life."
I am wondering what you all have in place or have gone through, and what I should be thinking as a mother.
Now does this apply to his glucagon as well.. (thinking in terms that it too is a needle)? In any regards, I feel he should be able to have his medical supplies with him at all times regardless. I think it should be in a pack that is carried with him wherever he goes. Even if the nurse has to administer, hopefully she would come to him and not make him go to her several times out of his day, as not only does that segregate him, it makes him miss more classtime as well.
My daughter has a 1-1 aide as well as a backpack that has all her supplies and meter and glucagon that is with her wherever she is. There are rights that maybe you should look into on the diabetes sites to make sure they aren't trying to make your life miserable by making theirs easy. I know we had issues at our school as well.. but it's so much better now. Just my opinion, I'm sure there are lots of ways this is done, but I think it's best to have medical supplies with the child.
I may have missed this, but how old is your son? Personally, I think that all kids, even regardless of age, should be aloud to carry their supplies with them. I always have; it was something we had to work out with the school and get my doctors to sign off on, but it has never been an issue my school has pressed. As long as your son is aware of why the needles are his and only his, and he knows to go to adults, for example, if another kid tries messing with them he should be aloud to keep supplies with him. I think your school may be surprised how well kids can handle these kinds of things. I was barely out of elementary school (2nd month out of) when I started carrying several needles on me; never had a problem with the other kids messing with them, either. Okay, there were a few who would go through my kit (which wasn't the best thing), but it was easy to put a stop to. Point it :), in my opinion your son should be able to keep supplies on him should you wish it to be so. Or, the teacher could lock them in the classroom for easier access even. At least, I agree that your son should be able to go to class then check the supplies in (I forgot the other option ;))
Another suggestion could be, although annoying, doubling up on supplies? I know it doesn't sound like much fun, and a lot of work. But I, for example, have several glucagon pens to keep at both home and school. I have a seperate supply of test strips, insulin, and syringes there as well. This way, your son could always already have a set at school, and have his own for home? Just a thought; but I hope this helped... at least a little :)
at my elementary school i never really had to worry about it because i would test in the classroom when no one was there or i would be in the bathroom. but back then i didn't get a lunch time dose that was when i was on pork and regular. yeah olden times, but that was in the early 90's.
We had problems when my son was first diagnosed but that was over 7 years ago and in a school with no diabetic children (small town). However, I did some research on google and came up with a few things that might help you.
Our doctor fills out a 504 medical plan each year before school starts so that it is available for the school to have. We used to have ask for this but not anymore.
The Q&A should help in answering some of your questions. It is specifically for CA families. Hope these help!
When our son was first diagnosed, he was the only child there with diabetes and it was a learning process for both of us. They at first tried to tell me that he could not have his supplies on the bus but I researched and found out that he could by law keep them with him, and I had to go on school field trips with him (which was fun but later found out was not necessary) Keep searching and fighting for your son and good luck!
Any student with diabetes should have a 504 plan along with a medical plan. If the school is public it must follow the law. Private schools run by religious organizations do not have to comply. State laws vary and could provide additional guidance and help. Most states don't have good laws...yet. You need to sit down with school officials and develop the 504 in a way that works best for your son.
Our almost 8-year old son is in public school in Indiana. He has a set of supplies at school so that he does not transport them each day back and forth. Meters are given out like candy by reps and your doctor should have freebies as well. Your doctor should also be able to give you a backup pen. Having a set of supplies at school, in my opinion, is the best option for a younger child and would allow your son to skip that part of his morning routine.
My son went to a religious preschool and the burden was more on me than the school. I needed to drop off his supplies and pick them up from the office each day. They would check his blood sugar but would not provide insulin and they told me they would not administer glucagon. The school expanded when my son was in kindergarten and began offering elementary grades. But, having him attend first grade and beyond was not an option since they would not do anything beyond the basic blood check. I was very much ready for him to attend public school.
So, keep a set of supplies at school so your son does not have to transport them every day. And, get a 504 plan implemented as soon as possible. Try to find out if your state has additional laws in place. The ADA has lots of valuable information:
my school does not let me bring things into school either, me and my mom had a meeting with the principle, and we worked out some great things! i used to get marked tardy too, so talk to ur school and work out something thts right for ya'll!
Hi. OK, I'm technacally not a parent, but I'm a diabetic who attends school, so I've got a different angle. Three peices of advice:
A. Buy another meter so Austin doesn't have to bring one back and forth every day. They aren't very expensive, it's the strips that cost a fortune.
B. Drop off your son earlier, if possible.
C. Stand up for yourselves! Your school district is being a bully. Keep your head tall and keep fighting for your son. When you finally get your rights, you'll be helping other diabetics that come in later. Good luck!