Complete resources for preparing caregivers and ensuring your child's safety in daycare and preschool settings
Legal Protection: Under federal law (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act), children with Type 1 diabetes have the right to receive appropriate care in school and daycare settings. This toolkit helps ensure those rights are protected.
Comprehensive Care Plan Template
Essential Information to Include
Basic Information
Child's full name and date of birth
Date of T1D diagnosis
Current insulin regimen and doses
Target blood sugar ranges
Meal and snack schedule
Emergency contact information
Daily Management
Blood sugar checking schedule
Insulin administration instructions
Meal and snack carbohydrate content
Physical activity considerations
Signs and symptoms to watch for
When to contact parents/healthcare team
Sample Daily Schedule
8:00 AM: Arrival blood sugar check
9:30 AM: Morning snack (15g carbs)
12:00 PM: Pre-lunch blood sugar + insulin
12:15 PM: Lunch (45g carbs)
3:00 PM: Afternoon snack (15g carbs)
5:30 PM: Pre-pickup blood sugar check
Staff Training Program
Training Session Outline (2-3 hours)
Session 1: Understanding Type 1 Diabetes (45 minutes)
What is Type 1 diabetes vs Type 2
Why children develop T1D (not caused by diet/lifestyle)
How insulin works in the body
Why blood sugar management is critical
Long-term outlook and normal development
Session 2: Daily Care Tasks (60 minutes)
Blood sugar checking technique and timing
Insulin administration (if applicable)
Carbohydrate counting basics
Meal and snack timing importance
Physical activity considerations
Record keeping and communication
Session 3: Emergency Procedures (45 minutes)
Recognizing low blood sugar symptoms
Treating hypoglycemia step-by-step
When to call parents vs 911
Glucagon administration (if trained)
High blood sugar recognition and response
Sick day management basics
Training Materials to Provide
Laminated quick reference cards for each classroom
Step-by-step emergency procedure posters
Practice blood glucose meter for training
Sample treatment supplies for hands-on practice
Contact information cards for all staff
Age-appropriate books about T1D for children
Emergency Action Plans
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Mild Symptoms (Child Alert):
Shakiness, sweating, hunger
Irritability, mood changes
Fatigue, difficulty concentrating
Treatment Steps:
Check blood sugar if possible
Give 15g fast-acting carbs (glucose tablets/juice)
Wait 15 minutes, recheck blood sugar
Repeat treatment if still low
Give protein snack once normal
Notify parents immediately
Severe Symptoms:
Confusion, difficulty speaking
Loss of consciousness
Seizure activity
Action: Call 911 immediately
Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)
Symptoms to Watch:
Excessive thirst and urination
Fatigue, lethargy
Nausea, vomiting
Fruity breath odor
Action Steps:
Check blood sugar
Encourage water intake
Contact parents immediately
Do not give insulin unless trained
Monitor for worsening symptoms
Call 911 if vomiting or severe symptoms
Emergency Supply Kit (Keep in Classroom)
Low Blood Sugar Treatment:
Glucose tablets (age-appropriate)
Glucose gel tubes
Juice boxes (4 oz)
Crackers or granola bars
Testing Supplies:
Blood glucose meter
Test strips (check expiration)
Lancets and lancing device
Alcohol wipes
Emergency Items:
Glucagon emergency kit
Emergency contact list
Care plan copy
Logbook for recording
Legal Rights and 504 Plan Basics
Your Child's Rights
Equal access: Right to participate in all activities and programs
Reasonable accommodations: Modifications to policies and procedures
Trained staff: Designated personnel trained in T1D management
Emergency care: Immediate access to treatment and emergency services
Privacy protection: Medical information kept confidential
No discrimination: Cannot be excluded due to diabetes
504 Plan Development
Key Accommodations to Request
Permission to check blood sugar and treat lows anywhere, anytime
Access to water and bathroom without permission
Snacks allowed in classroom as needed
Extra time for assignments/tests if affected by blood sugar
Trained staff member always available
Full participation in field trips and activities
Private space for diabetes management tasks
Documentation to Provide
Letter from pediatric endocrinologist confirming diagnosis
Detailed diabetes management plan (DMMP)
Emergency action plans for high and low blood sugar
List of requested accommodations
Contact information for healthcare team
Building Trust and Communication
Establishing Strong Relationships
With Administrators
Schedule initial meeting before enrollment
Provide comprehensive information packet
Discuss liability concerns openly
Offer to provide additional training
Maintain regular communication
With Teachers and Staff
Introduce yourself and your child personally
Provide hands-on training opportunities
Share positive stories and outcomes
Be available for questions and concerns
Express appreciation for their care
Ongoing Communication Strategies
Daily logbook: Track blood sugars, treatments, and observations
Weekly check-ins: Brief conversations about how things are going
Monthly reviews: Assess care plan effectiveness and make adjustments
Open door policy: Encourage staff to contact you with any concerns
Positive reinforcement: Acknowledge good care and successful management
Problem-solving approach: Work together to address challenges
Daycare Readiness Checklist
Before First Day
Care plan completed and reviewed
Staff training sessions completed
Emergency supplies stocked
504 plan or accommodation letter signed
Emergency contacts updated
Healthcare team contact info provided
Trial run or practice day completed
Communication system established
First Week Monitoring
Daily blood sugar logs reviewed
Staff comfort level assessed
Child's adjustment to routine evaluated
Any issues or concerns addressed
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