Children spend most of their time at school.   It's important to build a relationship with your child's classroom teacher, gym teacher, school nurse, principal, and staff. Don't forget about substitute teachers!  Be sure the school staff educates the substitute teachers on the symptoms of high and low blood sugar levels and make sure the substitute teacher knows which child has type 1 diabetes.  

If your child requires bus transportation to and from school, be sure the bus driver is aware your child has type 1 diabetes in case your child suffers a low glucose while riding the bus.  The more people that know your child is a type 1 diabetic, the better.   Everyone who interacts with your child on a day to day basis needs to be educated on this disease.   This way, if your child should suffer from a severe low glucose while attending school, the staff will be aware of your child's situation and be able to help without hesitation.

It's important to get a routine implemented the very first day of school.  Meet with teachers, nurse, and principal to let them know your expectations on the care of your child while attending school.

To find forms you can print and share with your teachers to help them understand the symptoms of type 1 diabetes, please go to our "For Parents - Info to Share With School" page under the School Information tab.

Speak to the school nurse about a routine as to when the nurse should check glucose levels, such as before gym class, before lunch, etc.  You can prepare your child's lunch ahead of time, count all carbs included in the lunch and send the information with the number of lunch carbs to the nurse daily. This way, the school nurse is not guessing on carb amounts and has accurate information to deliver the proper amount of insulin to your child at lunch time.  Be sure the school has up to date contact information so if you are needed, the school will be able to reach you immediately. 

It is imperative that the family and school work closely together to keep the child safe at school.