school field trip and epi-pen question

[luvmy3]

I just found out that I will have to accompany my ds on every one of his field trips because he has a (newly discovered) tree nut allergy and now carries an epi-pen. Apparently the teachers are not permitted to administer it to him so I must be there in case he needs it.
My question is, since I have to be there for him, will I be expected to chaperone a group of his classmates? If I am required to be there for my son's safety, I do not feel that I should be responsible for any other kids in the class, since I am technically not volunteering to be. I was just curious what is expected when a parent HAS to be on the field trip. I don't want to come off as a b-word to the teacher, but I want to make it clear that I have no plans of *chaperoning* any other children. TIA

 

[laughinplace199]

You should probably ask the school whether they are expecting you to just be there for your son, or whether they are expecting you to chaperone a group. Just out of curiousity, why don't you want to chaperone a group of your son's classmates?

My DD has nut allergies also. In her school, the parents of kids with allergies are always asked to be chaperones before any other parents are asked. Either my DH or I try to go on all of the field trips. In the event that neither of us can go, and another parent of an allergy kid is chaperoning, DD will be placed in that group. If no allergy parents can go, the school will try to find a parent who is a dr or a nurse to be a chaperone and they put the allergy kids in that group.

Chaperoning can be a lot of fun. I love chatting with all of the kids.

 

[Magic Mom]

Sometimes space is limited on the bus or at the location. You may be taking the space of a needed chaperone. If you refuse to help out, you may want to let the teachers know ASAP, so they know what they are dealing with.

 

[BelleWDW]

I just found out that I will have to accompany my ds on every one of his field trips



I don't want to come off as a b-word to the teacher, but I want to make it clear that I have no plans of *chaperoning* any other children. TIA

My goodness-I cant remember my kid going on THAT many field trips in any grade.

You sound really aggrivated that you have to be there-and you probably will come off as......to the teacher when you explain your unwillingness to help,

 

[ekatiel]

My DS has multiple food allergies, and we try to make sure that someone (me or DH or a grandparent) goes on all field trips. I do this jsut b/c I feel more comfortable that way. However, it sounds kind of crazy to me that you are being required to go on the field trip b/c the teachers can't/won't administer the Epipen. Here are my concerns about what the school has told you:

1) What would the teachers do at school if the nurse couldn't get to your DS in time if he were having an ANA reaction? Seconds count with anaphylaxis, that's why we keep my DS's Epipen in his preschool classroom (once he starts elementary school, he will most likely self-carry his Epi everywhere with him). If he has a reaction, I expect the teacher present to give him the epi, asap, no wait for the nurse.

2) I don't think legally that they can force you to go on a field trip b/c of your DS's disability. You need to get a 504 plan in place that outlines where his epi is kept and who will administer it, etc. If you really don't want to (or simply can't due to work, etc) go on the field trips, then you need to write into the 504 plan that a nurse or other trained individual needs to accompany him on all field trips (at the cost of the district).

I really think that all teachers should be trained on how to use an Epipen and should be able to give the shot if needed. The teachers are the ones who are around when reactions happen. You can't always wait for the school nurse to show up. Like I said in the beginning, we do (and will continue to) go on all of DS's field trips b/c the situation makes me nervous. But, if you do not want to go (or you can't for work related reasons, etc), then I don't think you should have to. Just my 2 cents --Katie

 

[mjkacmom]

If I am required to be there for my son's safety, I do not feel that I should be responsible for any other kids in the class, since I am technically not volunteering to be. I was just curious what is expected when a parent HAS to be on the field trip. I don't want to come off as a b-word to the teacher, but I want to make it clear that I have no plans of *chaperoning* any other children. TIA

If it's a school policy, you will come off as the b-word by stating that although you are coming along, you won't help out. At our school, lots of parents who had children with allergies like the fact that they automatically are allowed to chaperone field trips. I can't imagine going, and just tagging behind. I'm assuming you'd provide your own transportation.

 

[luvmy3]

My goodness-I cant remember my kid going on THAT many field trips in any grade.

You sound really aggrivated that you have to be there-and you probably will come off as......to the teacher when you explain your unwillingness to help,

When my dd was in this teachers class they went on 11 field trips.

I believe it is unfair to put me in a position that requires me to take attention away from my son when the sole reason I am there is to keep him safe. I will not be there because I volunteered to watch other kids, I will be there because I need to be for my son (because the school is unwilling to be, I might add). While I have no problem being there for him, I do have a problem with the school taking advantage of the fact that I have to be, so yes if they expect me to chaperone others I will be very aggaravated. I guess if you don't know the way things have worked at this school, you wouldn't understand why I feel this way. Lets just say I have my reasons.

To the pp who mentioned that if you don't go that your child would be put in a group with another LTA parent, or the school would find a nurse or a doc, thats not how it works with us, the student would not be assigned to another chaperone. I would have to designate another chaperone for ds, and inform the school. If I can't go, and no other parent would want the responsibility for his epipen (which I can totally understand) then my child would be excluded from the trip.


I have 3 kids, I have chaperoned I don't know how many field trips. No, it isn't something I look foward doing 11 times this year.

 

[luvmy3]

My DS has multiple food allergies, and we try to make sure that someone (me or DH or a grandparent) goes on all field trips. I do this jsut b/c I feel more comfortable that way. However, it sounds kind of crazy to me that you are being required to go on the field trip b/c the teachers can't/won't administer the Epipen. Here are my concerns about what the school has told you:

1) What would the teachers do at school if the nurse couldn't get to your DS in time if he were having an ANA reaction? Seconds count with anaphylaxis, that's why we keep my DS's Epipen in his preschool classroom (once he starts elementary school, he will most likely self-carry his Epi everywhere with him). If he has a reaction, I expect the teacher present to give him the epi, asap, no wait for the nurse.
2) I don't think legally that they can force you to go on a field trip b/c of your DS's disability. You need to get a 504 plan in place that outlines where his epi is kept and who will administer it, etc. If you really don't want to (or simply can't due to work, etc) go on the field trips, then you need to write into the 504 plan that a nurse or other trained individual needs to accompany him on all field trips (at the cost of the district).

I really think that all teachers should be trained on how to use an Epipen and should be able to give the shot if needed. The teachers are the ones who are around when reactions happen. You can't always wait for the school nurse to show up. Like I said in the beginning, we do (and will continue to) go on all of DS's field trips b/c the situation makes me nervous. But, if you do not want to go (or you can't for work related reasons, etc), then I don't think you should have to. Just my 2 cents --Katie

This does concern me. My state does not currently have a self carry law for epipens (allow there is a bill for it). It is down at the nurses office, and my ds's class is on the other side of the building up a flight of stairs and down the hall. At this point I am so frustrated at the district for not having a policy that lets, not even forces the teachers, but just lets them if they are willing to administer the epipen. I think that all of this info has left a bitter taste in my mouth, which is one reason why I am not so willing to help the school when they need me. I don't want to be like this, but right now I'm finding it hard to think differently.

 

[laughinplace199]

Wow - 11 times a year is crazy! My kids usually have 2 field trips per year.

OP, I'm the poster whose school will assign DD to another allergy parent or find a dr or nurse to chaperone if allergy parents are unavailable. Would your school be receptive to doing something like that if you suggested it?

Are you friends with any of the moms of your DS's classmates who might be willing to go on field trips when you can't and be responsible for your Ds and his Epipen? My DD has a friend who does not have allergies, but the friend's sister does. Although the sister is not in DD's grade, the mom was able to take my place on a field trip since she is an allergy mom.

 

[vroomagain]

I would speak with your district about having someone else who is capable of administering the epi-pen chaperone your son, or at least come to a compromise like half and half.

I too would be very resentful if my children's school didn't have the resources to provide someone trained to administer an epi-pen. I don't know your situation but if I had to skip 11 days of classes for field trips I would fail. I can't imagine what someones boss would say

On the other hand, if you are going to be there anyway I would just chaperone and then I would take up the fact with whoever I had to to get someone trained to accompany the child the other times.

I understand your resentment I just wouldn't go about expressing it by refusing to chaperone if you will already be there.

 

[frtchr]

If it's that big of a deal, take him out of school on field trip days.

 

[kevschickee]

If it's that big of a deal, take him out of school on field trip days.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

If it's that big of a deal, take him out of school on field trip days.

I agree. Let someone that wants to chaperone go. I know in our district, there are many parents that want to go but space is always so limited. Your attitude is certainly not one that I would want a chaperone to my child to have. You may not able to control your attitude with the kids.

 

[luvmy3]

Thanks to all who had advice and constructive criticism, as for the one who decided to resort to name calling, the DIS prevents me from saying to you what I'd really like

I will send ds's teacher an email and I will explain to her my feelings on the whole situation and see what she says. I know its not her fault and I shouldn't make her job harder because of my anger about the district's lack of policy.

 

[luvmy3]

I agree. Let someone that wants to chaperone go. I know in our district, there are many parents that want to go but space is always so limited. Your attitude is certainly not one that I would want a chaperone to my child to have. You may not able to control your attitude with the kids.

Oh please, I have been involved with the school for 7 years between 3 kids. I have been a GS leadder and a room mom, and have been volunteering for whatever I could because nobody else would step up. I certainly know the difference between discussing things rationally with adults and keeping my mouth shut in front of kids.
Maybe you have never had to deal with a school policy that was very frustrating, especially after all you do for the school. If not you should consider yourself very lucky.

 

[frtchr]

It sounds like a very frustrating situation. But to say you'll chaperone only your son will just make everything even more awkward for you, the teacher, the students, the other chaperones, and, most importantly, your son. I hope you're able to come to some sort of solution that works for everyone.

 

[micheleq]

As a former teacher I was required to be trained in how to adminsiter an epi-pen. I am sorry that your district/state does not allow children to carry their own and that they don't require teachers to be trained in what is really a simple task (we had blank epi-pens and had to practice on ourselves and on others).

I think that if you are required to attend a field trip for the purpose of being there to administer medication, that should be your sole purpose. Others here will disagree with me, but you were told that you must accompany your child because in an emergency you will need to administer meciation. If a teacher can't do that, and the school nurse obviously can't attend field trips, then let that be your purpose. It doesn't sound like the teacher was thinking "Oh great! I'll have at least one chaperone each time!" If you had to administer an epi-pen to your child, you would also be going right to a hospital and thus leaving the field trip. Have a chat with the teacher and explain that to him/her, see what type of solution you can come up with together. I am sure they will understand and will work with you.

I would also contact your representatives! An epi-pen on the other side of the building is not acceptable! If a person, child or adult, needs that medication every second counts. Anaphlyactic shock is not something I wish upon anyone. I also second getting a 504 Plan for your child. It is common for a child with food allergies to have one where I used to teach.

Best of luck to you! Two of my best friends have children with severe food allergies. It is stressful when they have reactions, need the epi-pen, and have gone to the hospital.

 

[luvmy3]

It sounds like a very frustrating situation. But to say you'll chaperone only your son will just make everything even more awkward for you, the teacher, the students, the other chaperones, and, most importantly, your son. I hope you're able to come to some sort of solution that works for everyone.

Thanks, and it will all work out, I do not plan on doing anything out of anger and I don't want it to be uncomfortable for anyone especially ds. I admit that I let my emotions get the better of me and was ready to lash out at the school, but I know thats not really the right thing to do.
Honestly it has just been one of those days, I had heard back from the nurse at ds's allergist and he won't sign permission for ds to self administer his epipen (not surprised) or his inhaler, which I couldn't believe. He is allowed to self carry in our state but since the doc won't sign that form, he has to leave that at the nurses office too. I think when he brought the note home about the field trips, it was just the last straw in dealing with this whole allergy and school policy.

 

[micheleq]

Hang in there! I have had many awkward moments with parents because of a lack of communication. Be honest with the teacher, and maybe take the approach of "I'll be the bonus chaperone!" That way all the parents that want to chaperone can, and you'll be an extra adult. And if needed, you can tend to your child in an emergency and not be neglectful of the other children on the trip. I've had extra chaperones at times and welcomed them on trips.

Schools and teachers want to do what is right for your child and what will help you keep them safe. It sounds like the safest thing is for you to accompany the class in a role where you can be able to give your child medical attention if needed.

 

[disneycruising]

I have been there. Dealing with food allergies & schools can leave me wanting to beat my head against the wall.

Do your children go to a public school or private? What is the reason they have given you, for a teacher not giving the epi-pen? Who is allowed to give an epi pen in an emergency or on a field trip?

Everytime I have a 'difference of opinion' with the school; I remind myself that I am creating a path for everyone (with food allergies)... that will come behind us. I put on my best smile & keep on trying.