The academy offers a checklist of tips and a sample food allergy action plan to keep communication flowing. Both can be downloaded at no cost at www.aaaai.org.

Here’s a short list the academy shared to start parents on the right path:

• Inform the school cafeteria, teachers and other staff, including the school nurse, what foods your child must avoid.
• Pack bag lunches.
• Send safe snacks to school anytime the classroom is having a party.
• Advocate “no eating” policies on buses and in other settings where children are not supervised.
• Be aware of the expiration dates on self-injectable epinephrine.
• Keep in contact with your allergist to make sure all medicine is current and replaced prior to expiration.

I would add my own word of caution: Parents, don’t rely on school personnel believing or trusting what your child says when it comes to allergies. Make sure you provide documentation of your child’s problem.