Daycare Food Allergies Guide 2026: Managing Allergies Safely
Complete guide to managing food allergies at daycare in 2026. Allergy action plans, communication strategies, safety practices, and questions to ask.
Managing food allergies at daycare requires clear communication and proper planning. Quality programs take allergies seriously and work with families to keep children safe while participating fully.
Table of Contents
Working with Your Program
Essential Communication
| Item | What to Provide | |------|-----------------| | Allergy documentation | From allergist/doctor | | Action plan | Signed by physician | | Medications | EpiPen, antihistamines | | Safe foods list | What child can eat | | Emergency contacts | All current numbers |
Training Requirements
Staff should know:
- How to recognize reactions
- How to administer EpiPen
- When to call 911
- Child's specific allergens
- Cross-contamination prevention
Allergy Action Plans
Plan Components
| Element | Details | |---------|---------| | Allergens | Specific foods to avoid | | Symptoms | Signs of mild and severe reactions | | Treatment | Step-by-step response | | Medications | What, when, how to give | | Emergency contacts | Doctor, parent, backup |
Who Needs Copies
| Location | Why | |----------|-----| | Classroom | Immediate access | | Office | Backup copy | | Kitchen | Food prep staff | | Field trip bag | Outings | | Substitute information | When regular staff absent |
Safety Practices
What Quality Programs Do
| Practice | Purpose | |----------|---------| | Ingredient checking | Verify all foods | | Separate prep areas | Prevent cross-contamination | | Hand washing | Before/after meals | | Table cleaning | Remove allergens | | No food sharing | Prevent accidental exposure |
Common Policies
| Policy | Details | |--------|---------| | Nut-free | No peanuts/tree nuts allowed | | Allergen-free tables | Separate eating areas | | Homemade food restrictions | Only packaged with labels | | Celebration guidelines | Safe party foods |
Questions to Ask
About Policies
- What is your allergy policy?
- Are you a nut-free facility?
- How do you handle celebrations?
- What training do staff receive?
- How do you prevent cross-contamination?
About Emergencies
- Where will EpiPens be stored?
- Who is trained to administer?
- What is your emergency protocol?
- How will I be notified of a reaction?
About Daily Care
- How do you check food labels?
- How do you handle snacks brought from home?
- Can my child sit with friends at meals?
- How do you communicate about allergens?
Advocating for Your Child
Be Proactive
| Action | Why It Matters | |--------|----------------| | Meet with staff | Build relationships | | Provide safe snacks | Ensure alternatives available | | Offer to educate | Share information | | Check in regularly | Ensure practices followed | | Express gratitude | Encourage ongoing diligence |
If Concerns Arise
| Step | Action | |------|--------| | 1 | Document the concern | | 2 | Discuss with teacher/director | | 3 | Request policy review | | 4 | Follow up in writing | | 5 | Escalate if necessary |
Resources
Last updated: December 2025