Food allergy is a growing safety concern across the United States and creates challenges for all educators and parents in our nation’s schools. As the State of Connecticut begins another school year, it is important to point out that public awareness about the seriousness of food allergies is growing. Connecticut is a national leader in developing food allergy management plans and State legislation to promote the safety and well-being of children with severe food allergy. By working collaboratively, with the school staff, other parents, students, and family physicians, parents of children with food allergy can promote a safe and successful school experience for every child.

In 2006, the Connecticut State Department of Education in conjunction with the State Department of Public Health has developed Guidelines for Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in Connecticut Schools to assist Connecticut schools in effectively managing the health and safety needs of children with life-threatening food allergies. Connecticut law requires each public school district to “implement a plan based on the guidelines for the management of students with life-threatening food allergies.” In 2009, Governor Rell signed into law legislation to further promote the safety of children with severe food allergy in Connecticut. The legislation requires every Connecticut public school district to make its plan available on every School Board of Education’s or school’s Web site or publicly available if no web sites exist, and it must provide annual notice of the plan’s implementation to the State Department of Education, as well as to parents and guardians.

The following are key links regarding the issues: