My 9-year-old daughter is newly diagnosed and gaining more independence every day. She is testing her own blood sugars -- day 3 I think -- and is now giving her own injections with the pens we were introduced to after week 2. I'm amazed at how much she is doing for herself and want to support her independence in managing her Diabetes. One of the things she wants to be able to do is keep her test kit with her at school so she can test whenever she needs to. Right now, she goes to the nurse's office for everything and not only do I worry about her walking that far when she's feeling low, but I want her to be able to keep her "no big deal" attitude about this. I'm guessing school's have their own rules though since the lancet and a little blood are involved. Thoughts on how to handle this with the school? Are we just out of luck?
During school, I always kept my kit in my school bag with me. If she needs to test, she can ask to be excused from the class room and just sit outside the door, or walk to the washroom to do test. I'm not sure what her elementary school's rules are, but once I hit grade 6, I wasn't bothering to test outside the classroom, I would do it at my desk on my lap. My kit's have never had the beeping noise turned on, so all anyone heard was the lancet but mostly they didn't notice.
I would talk to the school, but there really shouldn't be any reason for her not to be allowed to. People have mentioned in other threads that there is a form called the 504..i think..something like that...you can request that allows exceptions to rules due to the medical condition. I've never gotten one or even heard of it..but I think it depends on where you are located.
A little side note, I think it's really great you are trying to keep her independant and keep her "no big deal" attitude, especially so early on. My mom was the same way, with wanting me to be independant and not struggle with having to cope with it or think I was any different than my peers. If she hadn't raised me like that..I probably would've had a lot more problems in my teen years. I watched a fellow classmate who was diagnosed at 11 years old go through, and still goes through, a lot of problems because her mother made it seem like this was the end of the world.
We have a 504 plan in place at our son's school that says he can test anytime and anyplace. There is a lot of info on the JDRF website and I think the "Children with Diabetes" site about the 504 plan.
Hi Chris. My son was diagnosed at age 4, and he is now a happy and upbeat 3rd grader. Unfortunately schools can sometimes be unsupportive of testing wherever/whenever it is necessary. The 504 plan is the way to go. Do not let them restrict your daughter to the office because of blood/lancet (there's more blood from a skinned knee or a lost tooth!). My son (and friends of mine with diabetic children) keep a sharps box in the classroom. There are many resources available to you to help establish this. There are advocates who will help (try diabetes.org). With the help of an advocate, a team came into our public school and trained all personnel on diabetes, and also assited in writing up the plan. Your child should be allowed to test anywhere. Other things to consider in a 504 plan... emergency glucagon needs to be accessible (in a lockdown situation this is useless in the office), special consideration to test taking when BGs are high or low, extra bathroom breaks when necessary, extra drinks of water, allowing parent to attend all field trips, all personnel to be educated in diabetes awareness. When my Alex was 5 he hit a big low, 34, while at school. He had to be rolled down to the office in the teacher's chair because he was unable to walk. These situations are avoidable. If your child attends a public school, they are required to follow the 504 plan. I applaud you and your efforts to keep diabetes no big deal. It is a HUGE adjustment, but it doesn't need to slow your family down. Stay strong! :)
Jen (Alex's mom)
My son was diagnosed Feb 08. He was off school 7 weeks due to open heart surgery and then complicated by the start of diabetes 3 weeks after surgery. So when he finally went back to school late Mar, I met with the admin. staff, nurse, and attendance. I started the 504 plan also - which I would recommend you do as well.
They asked that he test only at the nurse office at least for a while. They were concerned that if he was testing because he wasn't feeling well, he should be with the nurse anyway. His argument is that if he has to walk up there, he probably won't test at all - which could cause worse problems. But so far it hasn't been an issue. There are 9 of them testing at lunch time, he doesn't feel alone - knows he's not the only one going thru it.
Hi Chris,
My son keeps a test kit in the classroom as well as the nurse's office. He tests meals/snacks with the nurse, but any other time he feels low/high right in the classroom. I met with the teacher, nurse, administration.....and let them know what I felt was best for my son. They were cooperative, just cautious....which I can understand--but I think it helps to educate them on diabetes also and they feel more comfortable. I also have a 504 plan in place, and I would recommend you do the same.
ReneeC
I'm 18, so I'm quite a bit older than your daughter, but I was 14 when I was first diagnosed, so I definitely had some issues to work out.
My advice would be for her to have her meter and sugar supplies with her in class. If my blood sugar goes low during class I check my sugar and eat something. Once I have some sugar in my system I go to the nurse to make sure everything gets back to normal. All of my teachers are aware of my condition and what the symptoms are. I also have a "permanent pass" on the back of my ID, which I show to security if they stop me in the hallways while I am going to the nurse. Your daughter may be able to have something like this, which she could keep in her bag or with her meter.
I don't know the rules of her school, but I know something could be figured out. A 504 plan could be helpful, I don't really know. I don't have one, but since your daughter is younger it might be useful. I know the ADA website has a sample 504 plan and other information about it. Definitely talk to her teacher(s) and school officials like the principle and security, if you haven't already, so that they are aware of how she (and you) handle her diabetes.
I wish your daughter good luck. If you have any other questions I could help you with, I'd be happy to do so.
My Daughter Stephanie is in the 3rd grade and 9 years old. Once I trusted her at home I thought it was time for her to give it a go at school. After all no one knows her body like she does! So...Just ask! Tell your school what you want and why. I talked to the nurse she understood about Steph wanting to control some parts of her diabetes. We set up a 2 week trial. If Stephanie could do the test and keep her blood "mess" safe we would extend the time frame. I made her a school bag in it we had the tester , fast acting carbs and a small water bottle for the used blood strips. It was a huge step for us! Steph did not want to go back to walks to the nurse so she was extra careful! (I wish she was as clean at home) There are still times when she goes to the nurse, she walks with a buddy when she is VERY low. But for the most part she is in control of her diabetes in school.
Good luck !!
My Daughter Stephanie is in the 3rd grade and 9 years old. Once I trusted her at home I thought it was time for her to give it a go at school. After all no one knows her body like she does! So...Just ask! Tell your school what you want and why. I talked to the nurse she understood about Steph wanting to control some parts of her diabetes. We set up a 2 week trial. If Stephanie could do the test and keep her blood "mess" safe we would extend the time frame. I made her a school bag in it we had the tester , fast acting carbs and a small water bottle for the used blood strips. It was a huge step for us! Steph did not want to go back to walks to the nurse so she was extra careful! (I wish she was as clean at home) There are still times when she goes to the nurse, she walks with a buddy when she is VERY low. But for the most part she is in control of her diabetes in school.
Good luck !!
I can test where ever and when ever. My school doesnt really care. Im supposed to have glucose tabs on me at all times or with my teachers. Though, I can go to the office if i want, or if its closer. they have juice and frankly, im a bad student and like the getting out of class aspect. ^_~
In 6th grade I was told I was not allowed to test in class so I had to go to the nurse for everything. We eventually had to get a lawyer to help me be able to test in class and it worked. A few things to do is first see if you should use a 504 plan. They are for any one with medical problems but they give all your guidelines for testing. The excuse I always was told is that because of the high rate of "cutters" I was unable to test in class because they may take my needles. We purchased Accu-chek Multiclix. This needles are inside of a six-needle barrel and you can only get to them when set of by the lancet device. I hope that helps.