With a new school year starting, you’re probably getting your child ready to return to the classroom. As with anything new, there might be some worries or hesitations about how this year will go. Whether your child is moving up a grade level or headed off to college, making a plan ahead of time will help ensure you have peace of mind while your child is away. We’ve put together some helpful information to guide you in the right direction of setting your child up for success this school year when it comes to managing their T1D. Keep reading to learn more!

Where Do I Start?

The first step is to talk to your child’s endocrinologist and ensure you have a Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMPP) put together for the school year – you may already have one, but it should be continually updated throughout the years. The DMMP is essentially a document that explains what your child needs to successfully take care of their diabetes will they are at school.

The DMPP should include information on your child’s diagnosis, contact information for you and their medical team, and specific medical orders for checking their blood glucose levels and administering insulin. Your child’s school nurse or administrators will use the DMPP to create an individualized healthcare plan specific to your child’s needs. If your child is going off to college, the DMPP will help keep them on track when it comes to managing their T1D.

More information on DMMPs and how to help students with diabetes succeed in school can be found on the American Diabetes Association website as part of their Safe at School program!

Setting Up A Diabetes Emergency School Kit

Of course, your child will have their everyday diabetes supplies that they need to take care of themselves and their T1D. However, you need to put together a diabetes kit to have at school in case of an emergency because you never know what may happen – it’s better to be overprepared rather than underprepared! The kit should include:

• Charging equipment – extra batteries or charging cords for their continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and insulin pump
• Blood glucose testing supplies – the meter, blood sugar test strips, and lancets
• High blood sugar supplies – insulin syringes or pens
• Low blood sugar supplies – glucagon, glucose tabs, snacks, and juices
• Extra supplies – pump site changes and CGM sensors

Go through the kit with your child’s school nurse, teacher, and administrators to ensure they know how everything works and when it is needed. By explaining what everything is and how it’s used, you’ll be confident that they know how to help your child in case of an emergency. If you want more information about putting together the emergency diabetes kit, check out JDRF’s “Back to School Checklist.”

So What Is A 504 Plan?

In the United States, schools that receive federal funds are mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to deliver “free appropriate education” to children with disabilities, including T1D. A 504 Plan is a legal (written) document specifying what “reasonable” modifications and accommodations the school must provide for a student with a disability (generally put into place for a student with a medical disability such as diabetes). Children with T1D are protected under this law!

504 Plans are a way for you to hold the school accountable for meeting your child’s needs while in the school’s care. Remember, though, that this is a partnership you are building with your child’s school, and all parties have a role in the 504 process. JDRF has a ton of information available on 504 Plans – visit this link to read more about it and how to get started.

Going Off To College

While most of the information in this blog pertains to younger T1Ds, we know that there are many of our friends leaving home for the first time or starting a new semester at their university. Parents, we know it’s scary when your child leaves the nest – especially if it’s the first time they will be managing their T1D on their own. We want to set you and your child up for success! Check out JDRF’s Guide on how to get started managing your diabetes independently.

JDRF Has Resources To Help You Out!

If you are looking for more information or community forums to help you start the school year confident that T1D won’t stand in the way, look no further! Click here for a multitude of resources from JDRF to assist you in navigating the new school year confidently.

From all of us at JDRF Northern Florida, we wish you a happy school year filled with new experiences and endless opportunities! If you need more resources or want to get connected with a community group, please reach out to us at northernflorida@jdrf.org. We are here to help!