Food Allergies & Childcare

I found a Montessori that is near me that is peanut/tree nut free and was willing to allow me to provide soy yogurts and rice milk for my peanut, milk, egg, and fish allergic daughter.

We have since moved her home and got an au pair -- but it was the best move I ever made. Do NOT put your child in a daycare that has no experience with peanut allergies and do not trust them to keep things separate even if they say there are no peanut butter items allowed in 2 year old classrooms but are in older. Our daughter had 2 allergic reactions - both at her previous daycare (before the Montessori) - 1 was a piece of peanut-tainted chex mix a 12 mo old (yes, a 12 mo old) was eating -- it was sweet/salty and had peanuts in the bag. Daughter grabbed a piece of the chex cereal that had been in the bag and got a reaction at 12 mos 1 day old (we had NO idea she was allergic as I didn't plan on feeding peanuts/tree nuts to my child till she was at least 3 years old). She had another reaction there 2 mos later when a worker left a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup laying around on a shelf low enough for a toddler to get at. Needless to say, we moved her then. Good luck!

Whether you go center or in-home, check for experience with peanut or tree nut allergies -- it can make all the difference in the world. Once your child turns 3, I would look for a public school or catholic school preschool (ours has 3 year old full day and it is MUCH cheaper than daycare)- Public schools are required to comply with the ADA for peanut allergies and accomodations and our Catholic Preschool made the entire class (3-5 year olds) Peanut & Tree Nut free due to 3 or 4 kids out of 34 having those allergies. Makes things easier!

Best wishes!
A. K. F.
Local Childcare Coordinator (and full time attorney)
Cultural Care Au Pair
http://aferrini.aupairnews.com
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Our daughter has a severe peanut allergy and other food allergies. She is three and has been going to the same in-home child care since she was an infant. I feel very comfortable with our child care provider, and I think there is a tremendous benefit to having one person caring for your child in a small group setting. I can communicate with her directly, and I don't have to worry about different staff members being unaware of the situation. Also, since it is a small group, I don't have to worry about anything going unnoticed. I will be worried when our daughter goes to school, but for now, I am very comfortable with our arrangement. Having a good relationship with your child care provider is critical. Good luck!

How severe are his allergies? Can he be around if other kids are eating peanuts, or does he need a 100% nut free environment? My son has a lot of food allergies, but he's always ok as long as he is not the one eating it. He is fine sitting next to someone eating a PB sandwich.

If he's ok with being around nuts, just provide 100% of his food yourself and do not let the daycare provider give him anything that you don't bring for him. That way, you'll never have to worry about cross contamination or her forgetting and giving him the wrong thing.

If he can't even be around it, things will be a little tougher, but I am sure you can find one that will work. I know of many, many schools that go nut-free when they have a severely allergic child enrolled (though, unfortunately, none in your area, as I live in SoCal).

I was really worried about my son starting preschool this year, but the teachers and other parents who volunteer in the classroom have been great about it. He hasn't had any accidental exposures and is usually able to eat at least part of the school-provided snack. I always send him with a full lunchbox just in case though.

I feel for you and understand your fears. I would just simply have to tell a parent that their child would not be able to come to my child care center. I would be constantly worrying about the child and the possible exposures your are talking about. I hope the centers will be honest with you and you'll find one knowledgeable about the allergies and able to care for your child.

If I were in your place I would find a nanny to come to my home. When I was a nanny I just took the kids wherever I went and did pretty much like normal. I ever took them to my house. I was paid a per hour rate per child so that I at least made minimum wages. They also had a friend who brought their child too and that mom paid me separately.

The primrose school in Lewis Center will not even let you bring any homemade food to the school. They need to see the exact ingredients in store bought. They suppy all meals prepared in their kitchen. You really should check them out.
I think there's one in Dublin also.
My grandaughter has been going to Primrose since she was 7 mo. old. She's now 3 1/2 and still loving it. They are wonderful!

I am no where near you..but I can't tell...are you only looking for centers? Don't completely leqave out home childcare. There are many out there who have their own children with the same issue..some who may have decided to DO home childcare partly due to a child with food allergies. I have many provider pals here in MN who care for peanut allergic kids..celiac kids (food issues in place for them), etc.....

Be diligent....look to all your local resource and referral (childcare) and support group places.

Best of luck!

My daughter also attends the Primrose School in Gahanna. She has a wheat allergy and they've been great to work with. There are a couple of kids in her class with peanut allergies, and they do not allow any peanut products in the school. Recently, they also started doing gluten-free meals there at the school for her. In the past, I had to bring replacement meals, but they are now providing everything. I wouldn't trust taking her anywhere else. :)