According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food allergies affect approximately 8% of children nationwide. Food allergies can be life-threatening, so it is critical that students with allergies get appropriate services and accommodations at school to ensure they receive an education in a safe and supportive environment.
Arizona Law
Arizona law allows students with allergies to possess and use emergency medications, including epinephrine auto-injectors, while at school if the student’s parent or legal guardian has provided written documentation authorizing self-administration. A.R.S. § 15-341(A)(34). School nurses and trained employees may also administer epinephrine auto-injectors to students whom they believe are exhibiting symptoms of anaphylactic shock. A.R.S. § 15-157. Any documents regarding the administration of epinephrine must be submitted to the school every year.
Arizona law also requires that schools designate at least two employees who must be trained in the recognition of anaphylactic shock symptoms, procedures to follow when anaphylactic shock occurs, and administration of epinephrine auto-injectors. Schools must also have procedures for the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors in emergency situations. A.R.S §§ 15-189.04; 15-203(A)(39); R7-2-809. The Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) have developed Emergency Guidelines for Schools, which includes a guide for dealing with allergic reactions on page 15.
Federal Law
If your child has allergies, they may need additional services and accommodations beyond medication administration to access their education. Schools are obligated to provide such services and accommodations to eligible students with disabilities—which may include allergies—under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504). Examples of possible accommodations include banning allergens from a student’s classroom and providing the student with allergen-free foods during the school day. For more information, see Chronic Health Conditions: Eligibility Under Federal Law and Chronic Health Conditions: Related Services.
Additional Resources
- Food Allergies in School: Toolkit | CDC
- Planning for School with Food Allergies | Allergy & Asthma Network
- Section 504 Plans for Students with Food Allergies | Kids with Food Allergies
- Section 504 Protections for Students with Food Allergies | U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights
- Your Back-to-School Resource Hub | Food Allergy Resource & Education