Return to School Information Index

Information for School Personnel

Published:
17-May-2005

We would like to offer you assistance and support to assure that the child who has diabetes feels safe and secure in the classroom setting. We believe that with just a few special considerations the diabetic child can have a normal lifestyle and a positive school experience.

Related Articles
On Our Site

We suggest the following:

  1. Coordinate with the school counselor, a meeting with the family, teachers, principal, coach, playground supervisors, office personnel, and lunchroom workers to develop an understanding of diabetes and the individual child's requirements to manage it effectively.
  2. Make sure this information is passed along to the appropriate personnel.
  3. Hold meetings with the appropriate personnel on the following:
    • Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar
    • Times it is more likely to occur
    • Prevention strategies
    • Specific treatments
    • Snack routines
    • Blood glucose monitoring routines
    • Communication with the child's parents
    • Coping strategies for the child and the family
    • Issues of diabetes management
  4. Be familiar with the signs, symptoms and treatments of high and low blood sugar.
  5. Help with administration of medication and/or blood glucose monitoring in accordance with school policy and the orders of the child's physician.
  6. Discuss with the child's parents about acute low blood sugar episodes, high blood sugar, and the child's general progress in coping with diabetes management at school.

NOTE: IF there is not a nurse at your school, these tasks need to be assigned to an appropriate staff member.

For more information regarding the recognition of high and low blood sugars, the appropriate prevention and treatment, please follow these links.

If you are responsible for a diabetic child at any time, you should be familiar with this information.


 
July 4, 2005