Diabetes in Children: Care Plan for School or Daycare

Diabetes in Children: Care Plan for School or Daycare

British Columbia Specific Information

Parents and schools are encouraged to work together when making provisions for, or accommodating, students with diabetes; however this is not a requirement. If parents and the school administrators can come to an agreement, then school personnel may take responsibility for helping students with diabetes during the school day. Visit Government of British Columbia – Diabetes for information on the support available at schools.

The Canadian Diabetes Association is a charitable association that provides information and support to all Canadians. They recommend that schools should allow students to eat at regular intervals, should monitor students experiencing hypoglycemia, and should know what to do during a hypoglycemic emergency. Medical support such as checking blood glucose levels, testing urine or administering insulin should not be expected unless agreed to by parents and the school administration. For more information, visit the Canadian Diabetes Association – Kids with Diabetes at School web page.

You may also call 8-1-1 to speak to a registered dietitian, Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Email a HealthLinkBC Dietitian, or review our Healthy Eating – Diabetes and Hypoglycemia information.

Overview

Most students can manage their diabetes on their own, but some will need help. A child's parents or guardians are responsible for making sure that school staff is willing and able to help the child with his or her diabetes care.

A diabetes care plan includes information that the school staff needs to know to make sure your child's diabetes is under control. Your province may have a care plan template that you can use. If not, you can find one at www.diabetesatschool.ca/tools/individual-care-plan.

Check with your school or province about which of these tasks require signed consent, a mutual agreement, or training provided by you.

You must give the staff everything they need to care for your child, including supplies to do a blood sugar test, insulin, syringes, glucagon (if it's in the care plan), and supplies for testing for ketones. And you need to teach the staff how to use these items. Remind the staff that your child needs access to the supplies at all times, even on a field trip. Now and then, check the expiration dates of supplies your child has at school.

Be specific about which tasks your child can do on their own and which ones an adult must do. Here are some examples of information to include in your child's care plan:

  • Insulin, if needed. Include information on how to give insulin to your child, how much to give, and how to store it. Your child may get it as a shot, use an insulin pen, or have an insulin pump.
  • Other medicine. If your child takes other medicine for diabetes, include instructions on how and when to give the medicine, how much to give, and how to store it.
  • Meals and snacks.
    • Provide school staff with snacks for your child as needed.
    • Make sure your child's teacher and the school staff know your child has permission to eat a snack anytime he or she needs it.
    • Make a list of foods your child can eat, how much, and when. Also list foods your child can have for special occasions, such as a class party or a field trip. Include information about insulin, if needed, for special-occasion foods.
  • Blood sugar testing. Work with school staff to create a testing schedule. For example, your child may need his or her blood sugar tested before lunch and when he or she has symptoms of low blood sugar.
  • Symptoms of low blood sugar. Describe your child's symptoms and how to treat them.
  • Symptoms of high blood sugar. Describe your child's symptoms and how to treat them.
  • Testing ketones. Specify when and how to test your child for ketones and what to do if ketones are present.
  • Physical activity and sports. Include information about when your child's blood sugar should be checked before activity and the desired target range. Specify how many glucose tablets or how much quick-sugar food to have on hand for your child.
  • Who to call. Include contact information for parent(s) or guardians(s), other caregivers, and your child's doctor. You will also want to let school staff know when to call 9-1-1.

The care plan should state that your child is allowed to:

  • Use the washroom, eat, and drink when needed.
  • Call a parent, guardian, or caregiver whenever he or she asks.
  • Miss school for medical appointments.

Include the best way to communicate with you about your child's health. Daily phone calls, emails, or a journal entries can be used to track how things are going at school.

Be sure to specify that you expect the school to provide a private place to take care of your child's diabetes needs.

Credits

Current as of: March 1, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
John Pope MD - Pediatrics
Donald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Stephen LaFranchi MD - Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology