Guest guest Posted February 21, 2010 Report Share Posted February 21, 2010 Our vegan son will start preschool next month. He's got a expressive language delay, so doesn't speak a lot yet. He'll only be there a few mornings a week, but every day they have a morning snack. For us veganism is not just a dietary choice either. How do I bring these things up with his teacher and/or someone else at the school? He's got a milk intollerance, and I think they'll pay attention to that if they ask about allergies, but not sure about the other stuff. I think that somehow I need to get the information to them though. He's our first and we have no experience dealing with schools, so not sure what to expect. Will we likely have some sort of forms to fill out where we can explain some of this? Any other advice? Should I prep a sheet about what he can/can't eat so there are less likely to be issues with hidden ingredients? As probably comes across in my message, I'm a bit anxious about this, but am pretty sure he is going to love it. Our tours have made us pretty confident with the school, but there are still a lot of unknowns and probably will be until he's been there for awhile. Heather http://unsheeply.net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2010 Report Share Posted February 22, 2010 Well, I don't know how it is where you live, but for my kids, the preschools and daycares they have been to would only accommodate special diets if we had a note from the doctor saying it was for medical reasons or from a priest or pastor saying it was for religious reasons. My younger daughter had cancer, so we were able to get a note from her doctor specifying what she could and could not eat, and the schools were always willing to follow our directions because it was cancer. For our older daughter though, I had to just let her eat what the school was serving when she was in preschool. Now that she's in first grade, I can send her with a snack and lunch packed from home. You could maybe call and make an appointment to talk to the director of your son's school, so you could talk about these issues before he starts. That way, you could get everything arranged ahead of time and not be surprised on the first day of school. For example, if they need a note from your son's doctor, you might need time to prepare that ahead. Good Luck! Christie --- On Sun, 2/21/10, iris777888 <iris777888 wrote: iris777888 <iris777888 Starting Preschool Sunday, February 21, 2010, 2:24 PM  Our vegan son will start preschool next month. He's got a expressive language delay, so doesn't speak a lot yet. He'll only be there a few mornings a week, but every day they have a morning snack. For us veganism is not just a dietary choice either. How do I bring these things up with his teacher and/or someone else at the school? He's got a milk intollerance, and I think they'll pay attention to that if they ask about allergies, but not sure about the other stuff. I think that somehow I need to get the information to them though. He's our first and we have no experience dealing with schools, so not sure what to expect. Will we likely have some sort of forms to fill out where we can explain some of this? Any other advice? Should I prep a sheet about what he can/can't eat so there are less likely to be issues with hidden ingredients? As probably comes across in my message, I'm a bit anxious about this, but am pretty sure he is going to love it. Our tours have made us pretty confident with the school, but there are still a lot of unknowns and probably will be until he's been there for awhile. Heather http://unsheeply. net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2010 Report Share Posted February 22, 2010 Heather, I feel for you! My daughter started VPK (voluntary pre-kindergarten) this past September. She is now 5.5 (she missed the September 1st cut-off date to start kindergarten by 21 days). We are vegetarian, not vegan, but I also had the same concerns as you. What I did was speak with the school, write it on the forms, and also talked to her teacher about it. They are all aware that she is a vegetarian and cannot have things beyond meat, like products that have gelatin, etc. I am hoping someone can give you encouraging advice. But for me it has been a bit daunting even keeping non-vegetarian food away from her, even with them having all the information I've provided. If they stuck to having the kids eat only what their parents send in for snack and/or lunch it would be fine. But that's not the case. Parents, for some reason, want to feed the kids a bunch of junk at every chance they get. Seems like every week there is a justified reason to dish up cupcakes with sprinkles (sprinkles are not vegetarian), candy that has gelatin in it, or to have a pizza party. And not just that, but part of the CIRRICULUM includes doing things with items like M & M's... they play bingo to learn letters/numbers, using the candy and after they are done they get to eat them. My daughter eats lunch there three days a week and they all eat together. The kids sometimes try to share food. I worry all the time. You can't rely on the school to keep the non-vegan food away. You have to teach and empower the child to do it themselves. This is a tough task that I'm constantly re-enforcing (much more so than before she ever went to school). Vegetarianism has been a real hurdle at school so far. I couldn't even imagine trying to pull off veganism (even though that is what I would prefer). It is easy to say tell the teachers/school and they will handle it, but that's wishful thinking. It's amazing how many parties parents like to throw for every little holiday or birthday and how much non-vegetarian (and especially non-vegan) food is available, passed out and sent home. Again, despite the school knowing our vegetarian wishes. All the other parents also found out we were vegetarian because the teacher was telling all the parents one day that she has a kid in her class that can't have meat, gummy candies, etc. Well, I was standing in that group as well. As the other parents gasped in horror I spoke up and said it is my kid and we are ethical vegetarians. Now I am usually looked at like I have a third eye and my daughter is looked at as if they feel sorry for her. I have come to accept the fact that it is a battle I will be having for the next 12 years. So I'm trying to get used to it. But I really put it more on her to not accept non-vegetarian food, than putting it on the teachers who are not even familiar with what vegetarianism is for the most part, or may even think that what by raising her vegetarian I'm doing is wrong, unfair or ridiculous. That's my two cents... Hopefully others have some good advice and it works for you. Jacqueline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2010 Report Share Posted February 22, 2010 Don't worry!! This is something that they will ask you on school forms (at least at my child's preschool). Also, you'll probably get to meet with his teacher before school starts and can discuss things like this. At my son's school they also post each morning on the door what snacks they will be serving that day. I would type out a list of foods your son CANNOT eat and give a copy to his teacher and maybe even the school director. I'm sure they will follow your wishes. It will be fine! --- On Sun, 2/21/10, iris777888 <iris777888 wrote: iris777888 <iris777888 Starting Preschool Sunday, February 21, 2010, 5:24 PM  Our vegan son will start preschool next month. He's got a expressive language delay, so doesn't speak a lot yet. He'll only be there a few mornings a week, but every day they have a morning snack. For us veganism is not just a dietary choice either. How do I bring these things up with his teacher and/or someone else at the school? He's got a milk intollerance, and I think they'll pay attention to that if they ask about allergies, but not sure about the other stuff. I think that somehow I need to get the information to them though. He's our first and we have no experience dealing with schools, so not sure what to expect. Will we likely have some sort of forms to fill out where we can explain some of this? Any other advice? Should I prep a sheet about what he can/can't eat so there are less likely to be issues with hidden ingredients? As probably comes across in my message, I'm a bit anxious about this, but am pretty sure he is going to love it. Our tours have made us pretty confident with the school, but there are still a lot of unknowns and probably will be until he's been there for awhile. Heather http://unsheeply. net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2010 Report Share Posted February 22, 2010 Hi Heather, Our son went to a preschool where I just typed up a list of our requests - including allergies and vegetarian food. Next to each thing he can't eat, I wrote " he will get very sick if he eats this. " Because that is true. So it said things like: " he has a sensitivity to strawberries - he will get very sick if he eats them " and " we are lacto-ovo vegetarians so he can eat no meat or meat products, eggs and dairy are okay - he will get very sick if he eats any meat products. " I noticed on his second day of school that there was a note on the fridge in the kitchen that said his name on top and cap letters saying he cannot eat any of these foods or he will be sick. And a teacher in another room came to me and let me know that they'd all be careful if he's in the playground or whatever around other classes of kids and snacks. We aren't at that school anymore, for other reasons - but that made me feel really comfortable there. We go to a co-op preschool now that is all vegan and super allergenic-safe since 3 of the kids there have severe allergic responses to some foods. So, we're more than safe there - we're comfortable. But I know these places are all but unheard of in most areas - even here in southern CA! :-) Good luck and don't feel shy about standing your ground on this one. I've found a lot of acceptance and respect for standing our ground on this topic in a school setting. Good luck! Lorraine On Behalf Of iris777888 Sunday, February 21, 2010 2:24 PM Starting Preschool Our vegan son will start preschool next month. He's got a expressive language delay, so doesn't speak a lot yet. He'll only be there a few mornings a week, but every day they have a morning snack. For us veganism is not just a dietary choice either. How do I bring these things up with his teacher and/or someone else at the school? He's got a milk intollerance, and I think they'll pay attention to that if they ask about allergies, but not sure about the other stuff. I think that somehow I need to get the information to them though. He's our first and we have no experience dealing with schools, so not sure what to expect. Will we likely have some sort of forms to fill out where we can explain some of this? Any other advice? Should I prep a sheet about what he can/can't eat so there are less likely to be issues with hidden ingredients? As probably comes across in my message, I'm a bit anxious about this, but am pretty sure he is going to love it. Our tours have made us pretty confident with the school, but there are still a lot of unknowns and probably will be until he's been there for awhile. Heather http://unsheeply. <http://unsheeply.net> net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2010 Report Share Posted February 22, 2010 Hi- I'm really struck by the differences in experiences with schools in the responses! Perhaps it depends where you live (we live in CA, although in Sacramento, certainly not the most progressive  part of CA), whether you're doing public or private school, etc. I'm assuming private schools can get away with much more in the 'our way or the highway' department when it comes to food. Personally, filling out the forms (being sure to mention that if our daughter eats meat or meat byproducts, she can become very ill), giving an extra heads-up to the teacher, and not being afraid to mention it to parents has been plenty. I would not be shy to work the 'food allergy' angle- that your child cannot have dairy due to X. Schools, in general, take food allergies very seriously- they really want to avoid anaphylactic shock lawsuits (whether or not your son's allergy can manifest itself in that way is a little secret you can keep to yourself). One word of advice, as a former public school teacher: the threat of lawsuit and complaints to the disctrict office reign supreme. With public schools, you can get very far by complaining to the district office if you need to. I would totally prep a sheet with a list of common non-vegan foods that he cannot eat. Give one to the office and to the teacher. Also make sure any resource teachers get it: PE, Music, Science, what have you. I agree that most teachers are uninformed about non-veg foods, especially when it comes to ingredients like gelatin, etc. I also agree that it's important that your child be able to advocate for himself whenever possible in regards to his diet. This may be tough if he has an expressive language delay, and you can actually use this to your advantage by stating that your wishes HAVE to be followed and paid attention to because it will be difficult for him to be assertive DUE TO HIS DISABILITY (magic words, here). It's true, schools are a haven of junk food. Smart teachers know to avoid the staff lunch room for this reason, even! An M & M math project might be part of the curriculum, but you as a parent always have the right to opt your child out of objectionable content (although, this would probably not help Jacqueline's 'third eye' situation, in the eyes of the other parents!). M & Ms may be part of the curriculum, but I can assure you they are NOT part of the standards, which is really the crux of the matter. They are more of a means to an end and the teacher doesn't HAVE to use them. I know a couple of kids who can't come anywhere near something like M & Ms due to the 'made on the same equipment as peanut products' thing. No school (again, public, anyway) would dream of not accomodating a kid with peanut allergies- and your kid is no different. Again, we haven't had any sort of problem in our two years of school so far. Sure, more junk food than I'd like, but that's true of SO many public situations- parties, restaurants, etc. It's part of living in our society and something we all have to deal with- and our kids will have to, too. Best to start the dialogue of 'making smart choices' now, even if we feel they shouldn't have quite so much thrust on their shoulders at such a young age. One other piece of advice: offer to work the parties! And, keep a box of 'approved' snacks for the teacher to stash in the room in case the snack isn't okay for him to eat. good luck! j. ________________________________ iris777888 <iris777888 Sun, February 21, 2010 2:24:01 PM Starting Preschool  Our vegan son will start preschool next month. He's got a expressive language delay, so doesn't speak a lot yet. He'll only be there a few mornings a week, but every day they have a morning snack. For us veganism is not just a dietary choice either. How do I bring these things up with his teacher and/or someone else at the school? He's got a milk intollerance, and I think they'll pay attention to that if they ask about allergies, but not sure about the other stuff. I think that somehow I need to get the information to them though. He's our first and we have no experience dealing with schools, so not sure what to expect. Will we likely have some sort of forms to fill out where we can explain some of this? Any other advice? Should I prep a sheet about what he can/can't eat so there are less likely to be issues with hidden ingredients? As probably comes across in my message, I'm a bit anxious about this, but am pretty sure he is going to love it. Our tours have made us pretty confident with the school, but there are still a lot of unknowns and probably will be until he's been there for awhile. Heather http://unsheeply. net Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2010 Report Share Posted February 22, 2010 Hi, My daughter has attended three preschools -- a Montessori school, a Catholic parochial elementary school (preschool-8th grade), and a Reggio Emilia school in a Jewish Community Center. All three have generally been respectful of our family's veganism, the Jewish school especially because it is dairy kosher (vegetarian). We have always sent our daughter with lunch, which has been an option at all three schools. We also have brought vegan snacks to keep in the classroom, as well as special treats (usually Newman's cookies) for birthday celebrations -- all labeled with our daughter's name and the word " vegan. " At each school, we have sent in a note explaining what our daughter can and cannot eat (and have included a photo of her). We do not feel the need to explain why she can eat vegetables, fruits, and nuts and cannot eat dairy, eggs, fish, and other meats -- we just say that's what she can and cannot have. We're her parents and in most cases teachers and administrators have respected our parental authority to make these decisions for our child. We also have decorated her lunch box with a giant " Vegan " sticker (the kind you'd put on a car) to help teachers remember her diet, and as she gets older, we have begun discussing why we eat the way we do, what's vegan and what's not, and what nutrients foods have. At one point, we'd considered a bracelet (like the kind used for allergies) with Maddie's name and " Vegan: no dairy, eggs, fish, or other meat, " but we have not found it to be necessary in our situation. Good luck! Jessica EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 22, 2010 Report Share Posted February 22, 2010 It may depend on which type of preschool you are going to, but they should ask you if there are any dietary restrictions. My son goes to Headstart and they had to have a form filled out by the doctor. Make sure you get a form now so that you can drop it off at the doctor's office and pick it up later. I would speak with the director of the preschool now so that you can both prepare for this. For Headstart and government run programs, they have to have a lot of paperwork done to get different foods. , Denise Turner <deniseamay wrote: > > Don't worry!! This is something that they will ask you on school forms (at least at my child's preschool). Also, you'll probably get to meet with his teacher before school starts and can discuss things like this. At my son's school they also post each morning on the door what snacks they will be serving that day. I would type out a list of foods your son CANNOT eat and give a copy to his teacher and maybe even the school director. I'm sure they will follow your wishes. > > It will be fine! > > > > --- On Sun, 2/21/10, iris777888 <iris777888 wrote: > > iris777888 <iris777888 > Starting Preschool > > Sunday, February 21, 2010, 5:24 PM >  > > > Our vegan son will start preschool next month. He's got a expressive language delay, so doesn't speak a lot yet. He'll only be there a few mornings a week, but every day they have a morning snack. For us veganism is not just a dietary choice either. > > > > How do I bring these things up with his teacher and/or someone else at the school? He's got a milk intollerance, and I think they'll pay attention to that if they ask about allergies, but not sure about the other stuff. I think that somehow I need to get the information to them though. > > > > He's our first and we have no experience dealing with schools, so not sure what to expect. Will we likely have some sort of forms to fill out where we can explain some of this? Any other advice? Should I prep a sheet about what he can/can't eat so there are less likely to be issues with hidden ingredients? > > > > As probably comes across in my message, I'm a bit anxious about this, but am pretty sure he is going to love it. Our tours have made us pretty confident with the school, but there are still a lot of unknowns and probably will be until he's been there for awhile. > > > > Heather > > http://unsheeply. net > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 23, 2010 Report Share Posted February 23, 2010 Having read the other responses it does seem to depend on the school and teacher. I'm the mom of an ovo-veg 6yr old, and I was also a preschool teacher in the 1-3yr classroom. Our preschool was pretty small and due to state regulations we weren't allowed to serve lunch/snack. It is a small nonsectarian school run at the Unity Church of Tucson, AZ. Even before I was a teacher there, our daughter attended school there as a 3yr old, ovo-veg, dairy & nut allergies, and cancer survivor. They were very accomodating. All the children brought their own lunch & snack. On days when I knew there were class parties, I would supply her with an acceptable muffin/cookie, etc. As a teacher, I tried to encourage my parents to bring healthy items for party, fresh fruits, low sugar drinks, cheerios to string and play games with, etc. Talk with the teacher and the school director, tell her your wishes and why. Ask them to let you know ahead of time when there will be class parties so you can bring a treat for your child. Or leave something acceptable at school for them to give out when needed. It will probably take several times of reminding them to get it right. The smaller the organization, the more luck you might have with the food issue. Our daughter is now at a charter school that doesn't offer meals, yet. All the children there bring their lunches. It certainly makes it easier when everyone has something different. I still keep a supply of vegan cupcakes baked in the freezer for those last min. birthday parties. Best of luck. If you don't get the cooperation you need, look elsewhere. ~Lina , " iris777888 " <iris777888 wrote: > > Our vegan son will start preschool next month. He's got a expressive language delay, so doesn't speak a lot yet. He'll only be there a few mornings a week, but every day they have a morning snack. For us veganism is not just a dietary choice either. > > How do I bring these things up with his teacher and/or someone else at the school? He's got a milk intollerance, and I think they'll pay attention to that if they ask about allergies, but not sure about the other stuff. I think that somehow I need to get the information to them though. > > He's our first and we have no experience dealing with schools, so not sure what to expect. Will we likely have some sort of forms to fill out where we can explain some of this? Any other advice? Should I prep a sheet about what he can/can't eat so there are less likely to be issues with hidden ingredients? > > As probably comes across in my message, I'm a bit anxious about this, but am pretty sure he is going to love it. Our tours have made us pretty confident with the school, but there are still a lot of unknowns and probably will be until he's been there for awhile. > > Heather > http://unsheeply.net > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2010 Report Share Posted February 24, 2010 Thanks for all the responses. What a variety of experiences! That tells me that we definitely will want to talk to his teacher and aide. We will find out today or tomorrow which room he's been assigned to (there are three) and we can go from there. The school doesn't serve lunches (kids attending all day bring their own) but they do have a snack set out that the kids serve themselves. When we were there last time to tour I think it was raisins? Right now he'll only attend mornings, but it hadn't occurred to me about other parents bringing things in for birthdays. Glad to know about that so I can make sure to leave him some treats. They said they just mailed us a packet of info to fill out prior to his first day, and said it included a place to list allergies. I think I will probably list milk under this section, as it does have real and unfortunate consequences when he consumes it, even if it's not a true anaphylactic type of reaction. Thanks again! So glad I had somewhere to ask this question. Heather http://unsheeply.net , " adobedwellers " <linaeasom wrote: > > Having read the other responses it does seem to depend on the school and teacher. > > I'm the mom of an ovo-veg 6yr old, and I was also a preschool teacher in the 1-3yr classroom. Our preschool was pretty small and due to state regulations we weren't allowed to serve lunch/snack. It is a small nonsectarian school run at the Unity Church of Tucson, AZ. > > Even before I was a teacher there, our daughter attended school there as a 3yr old, ovo-veg, dairy & nut allergies, and cancer survivor. They were very accomodating. All the children brought their own lunch & snack. On days when I knew there were class parties, I would supply her with an acceptable muffin/cookie, etc. > > As a teacher, I tried to encourage my parents to bring healthy items for party, fresh fruits, low sugar drinks, cheerios to string and play games with, etc. > > Talk with the teacher and the school director, tell her your wishes and why. Ask them to let you know ahead of time when there will be class parties so you can bring a treat for your child. Or leave something acceptable at school for them to give out when needed. > It will probably take several times of reminding them to get it right. The smaller the organization, the more luck you might have with the food issue. > > Our daughter is now at a charter school that doesn't offer meals, yet. All the children there bring their lunches. It certainly makes it easier when everyone has something different. I still keep a supply of vegan cupcakes baked in the freezer for those last min. birthday parties. > > Best of luck. If you don't get the cooperation you need, look elsewhere. > > ~Lina > > , " iris777888 " <iris777888@> wrote: > > > > Our vegan son will start preschool next month. He's got a expressive language delay, so doesn't speak a lot yet. He'll only be there a few mornings a week, but every day they have a morning snack. For us veganism is not just a dietary choice either. > > > > How do I bring these things up with his teacher and/or someone else at the school? He's got a milk intollerance, and I think they'll pay attention to that if they ask about allergies, but not sure about the other stuff. I think that somehow I need to get the information to them though. > > > > He's our first and we have no experience dealing with schools, so not sure what to expect. Will we likely have some sort of forms to fill out where we can explain some of this? Any other advice? Should I prep a sheet about what he can/can't eat so there are less likely to be issues with hidden ingredients? > > > > As probably comes across in my message, I'm a bit anxious about this, but am pretty sure he is going to love it. Our tours have made us pretty confident with the school, but there are still a lot of unknowns and probably will be until he's been there for awhile. > > > > Heather > > http://unsheeply.net > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 24, 2010 Report Share Posted February 24, 2010 I didn't read all of the responses, but I did create a list from another mom on here (I think) that I made copies and gave to each teach my child sees and one in her file in the front office. On the allergies list I wrote VEGETARIAN, as well. Sounds like you are well prepared. Information is key for teachers, and many instances can be avoided with open communication. Best wishes, Cassie " life's a garden, dig it! " Sent from my iPhone On Feb 24, 2010, at 11:29 AM, " iris777888 " <iris777888 wrote: Thanks for all the responses. What a variety of experiences! That tells me that we definitely will want to talk to his teacher and aide. We will find out today or tomorrow which room he's been assigned to (there are three) and we can go from there. The school doesn't serve lunches (kids attending all day bring their own) but they do have a snack set out that the kids serve themselves. When we were there last time to tour I think it was raisins? Right now he'll only attend mornings, but it hadn't occurred to me about other parents bringing things in for birthdays. Glad to know about that so I can make sure to leave him some treats. They said they just mailed us a packet of info to fill out prior to his first day, and said it included a place to list allergies. I think I will probably list milk under this section, as it does have real and unfortunate consequences when he consumes it, even if it's not a true anaphylactic type of reaction. Thanks again! So glad I had somewhere to ask this question. Heather http://unsheeply.net , " adobedwellers " <linaeasom wrote: > > Having read the other responses it does seem to depend on the school and teacher. > > I'm the mom of an ovo-veg 6yr old, and I was also a preschool teacher in the 1-3yr classroom. Our preschool was pretty small and due to state regulations we weren't allowed to serve lunch/snack. It is a small nonsectarian school run at the Unity Church of Tucson, AZ. > > Even before I was a teacher there, our daughter attended school there as a 3yr old, ovo-veg, dairy & nut allergies, and cancer survivor. They were very accomodating. All the children brought their own lunch & snack. On days when I knew there were class parties, I would supply her with an acceptable muffin/cookie, etc. > > As a teacher, I tried to encourage my parents to bring healthy items for party, fresh fruits, low sugar drinks, cheerios to string and play games with, etc. > > Talk with the teacher and the school director, tell her your wishes and why. Ask them to let you know ahead of time when there will be class parties so you can bring a treat for your child. Or leave something acceptable at school for them to give out when needed. > It will probably take several times of reminding them to get it right. The smaller the organization, the more luck you might have with the food issue. > > Our daughter is now at a charter school that doesn't offer meals, yet. All the children there bring their lunches. It certainly makes it easier when everyone has something different. I still keep a supply of vegan cupcakes baked in the freezer for those last min. birthday parties. > > Best of luck. If you don't get the cooperation you need, look elsewhere. > > ~Lina > > , " iris777888 " <iris777888@> wrote: > > > > Our vegan son will start preschool next month. He's got a expressive language delay, so doesn't speak a lot yet. He'll only be there a few mornings a week, but every day they have a morning snack. For us veganism is not just a dietary choice either. > > > > How do I bring these things up with his teacher and/or someone else at the school? He's got a milk intollerance, and I think they'll pay attention to that if they ask about allergies, but not sure about the other stuff. I think that somehow I need to get the information to them though. > > > > He's our first and we have no experience dealing with schools, so not sure what to expect. Will we likely have some sort of forms to fill out where we can explain some of this? Any other advice? Should I prep a sheet about what he can/can't eat so there are less likely to be issues with hidden ingredients? > > > > As probably comes across in my message, I'm a bit anxious about this, but am pretty sure he is going to love it. Our tours have made us pretty confident with the school, but there are still a lot of unknowns and probably will be until he's been there for awhile. > > > > Heather > > http://unsheeply.net > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2010 Report Share Posted February 27, 2010 Another thing I thought about: My son drinks soy milk, but I do allow him to have items that have milk in them. At school, the kids had mac n cheese one day (my son's favorite). Because he was listed as needing soy milk, they were offering him somthing else to eat. He threw a fit (he is special needs) and they had to call me about it. I let them know he could have the mac n cheese, just didn't want him drinking milk. Just make sure you are very specific aboutwhat is okay and what is not. They should have a menu that they give you at the beginning of the month and that may be a help so you can make sure that they don't give you child anything that is a no-no. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 27, 2010 Report Share Posted February 27, 2010 Far out, Thats horrible that they only take dietry advice from a doctor and you need a note. My daycare has a dietry requirment section on its forms. We pack his food, so its not a big deal, but sometimes they have cooking days. I was told by his carer (very excitedly) that my son had made dumplings. I said, whats in dumplings and she said oh minced pork and chicken and i just stared at her. She suddenly realised her mistake and said ...oh and carrot! The next day i had a talk to her and said look tom is vego and im really upset that he had the dumplings. She said he didnt eat them but also said that she had no idea that he was vego. So its very important that carers know. The daycare now let me know in advance when they are cooking and i bring a meat substitute. Its usually salt and pepper tofu because Tom loves it! I know its hard to be too picky but i would efinately change my sons daycare if they were uncaring about his diet, I think respect of kids diets is very important. Best of luck. Ange On Thu, Feb 25, 2010 at 4:28 AM, Cassie Dixon <roxy87cabrioletwrote: > > > I didn't read all of the responses, but I did create a list from another > mom on here (I think) that I made copies and gave to each teach my child > sees and one in her file in the front office. On the allergies list I wrote > VEGETARIAN, as well. > Sounds like you are well prepared. Information is key for teachers, and > many instances can be avoided with open communication. > Best wishes, > > Cassie > " life's a garden, dig it! " > > Sent from my iPhone > > > On Feb 24, 2010, at 11:29 AM, " iris777888 " <iris777888<iris777888%40>> > wrote: > > Thanks for all the responses. What a variety of experiences! That tells me > that we definitely will want to talk to his teacher and aide. We will find > out today or tomorrow which room he's been assigned to (there are three) and > we can go from there. > > The school doesn't serve lunches (kids attending all day bring their own) > but they do have a snack set out that the kids serve themselves. When we > were there last time to tour I think it was raisins? Right now he'll only > attend mornings, but it hadn't occurred to me about other parents bringing > things in for birthdays. Glad to know about that so I can make sure to leave > him some treats. > > They said they just mailed us a packet of info to fill out prior to his > first day, and said it included a place to list allergies. I think I will > probably list milk under this section, as it does have real and unfortunate > consequences when he consumes it, even if it's not a true anaphylactic type > of reaction. > > Thanks again! So glad I had somewhere to ask this question. > > Heather > http://unsheeply.net > > <%40>, > " adobedwellers " <linaeasom wrote: > > > > Having read the other responses it does seem to depend on the school and > teacher. > > > > I'm the mom of an ovo-veg 6yr old, and I was also a preschool teacher in > the 1-3yr classroom. Our preschool was pretty small and due to state > regulations we weren't allowed to serve lunch/snack. It is a small > nonsectarian school run at the Unity Church of Tucson, AZ. > > > > Even before I was a teacher there, our daughter attended school there as > a 3yr old, ovo-veg, dairy & nut allergies, and cancer survivor. They were > very accomodating. All the children brought their own lunch & snack. On days > when I knew there were class parties, I would supply her with an acceptable > muffin/cookie, etc. > > > > As a teacher, I tried to encourage my parents to bring healthy items for > party, fresh fruits, low sugar drinks, cheerios to string and play games > with, etc. > > > > Talk with the teacher and the school director, tell her your wishes and > why. Ask them to let you know ahead of time when there will be class parties > so you can bring a treat for your child. Or leave something acceptable at > school for them to give out when needed. > > It will probably take several times of reminding them to get it right. > The smaller the organization, the more luck you might have with the food > issue. > > > > Our daughter is now at a charter school that doesn't offer meals, yet. > All the children there bring their lunches. It certainly makes it easier > when everyone has something different. I still keep a supply of vegan > cupcakes baked in the freezer for those last min. birthday parties. > > > > Best of luck. If you don't get the cooperation you need, look elsewhere. > > > > ~Lina > > > > <%40>, > " iris777888 " <iris777888@> wrote: > > > > > > Our vegan son will start preschool next month. He's got a expressive > language delay, so doesn't speak a lot yet. He'll only be there a few > mornings a week, but every day they have a morning snack. For us veganism is > not just a dietary choice either. > > > > > > How do I bring these things up with his teacher and/or someone else at > the school? He's got a milk intollerance, and I think they'll pay attention > to that if they ask about allergies, but not sure about the other stuff. I > think that somehow I need to get the information to them though. > > > > > > He's our first and we have no experience dealing with schools, so not > sure what to expect. Will we likely have some sort of forms to fill out > where we can explain some of this? Any other advice? Should I prep a sheet > about what he can/can't eat so there are less likely to be issues with > hidden ingredients? > > > > > > As probably comes across in my message, I'm a bit anxious about this, > but am pretty sure he is going to love it. Our tours have made us pretty > confident with the school, but there are still a lot of unknowns and > probably will be until he's been there for awhile. > > > > > > Heather > > > http://unsheeply.net > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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