How to tell your child’s teacher about celiac disease

A short card and a short conversation go a long way. Here’s how to set up the school year.

Tips

Start with a conversation. Hand the card over in person at the start of the year and walk through it together.
Keep it to one page. Teachers manage many students. Put the essentials first: your contacts, what to avoid (from your child’s care team), and who to ask before giving any food.
Plan for class treats and crafts. Ask to be told ahead of parties and cooking or craft activities. Some play dough and craft supplies contain wheat (Celiac Canada, Food Allergy Canada).
Leave a treat box. Many parents keep a box of their child’s own treats at school for surprise celebrations.
Follow your school’s process. Your school or board may have its own forms. A card supports those forms. It doesn’t replace them.

Book a short meeting with the teacher before or during the first week.
Fill in and print the teacher card. Make an extra copy for the substitute teacher folder.
Give copies to the office, lunch helpers, the gym teacher and after-school care.
Drop off a box of your child’s own treats, with their name on it.
Ask how the class handles birthdays, rewards and cooking activities.
Ask about craft supplies such as play dough and pasta art.
Fill in any forms your school or board asks for.
Set a reminder to update the card before the next school year.