Illinois State Board of Education Updates Food Allergy Guidelines
June 11, 2010
By: Darcy L. Kriha
The Illinois State Board of
Education (ISBE), in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Public Health,
has recently updated its “Guidelines for Managing Life-Threatening Food
Allergies in Illinois Schools” publication. These guidelines were developed by a diverse
committee comprised of experts in the field of food allergens, representatives
on behalf of students with food allergies, representatives from public school
management organizations and representatives from statewide teachers’
organizations.
By January 1, 2011, boards of education must implement a food allergy policy based on the updated guidelines (Public Act 96-0349, effective August 13, 2009). The new law also requires that every two years, an in-service training program for school personnel who work with students be conducted by persons with expertise in anaphylactic reactions and management.
The ISBE website indicates that a sample policy will be developed by the Illinois Association of School Board’s (IASB) Policy Reference Education Subscription Service (PRESS). PRESS subscribers will receive the policy in the late summer or early fall. IASB also plans to provide the sample policy to any non-member districts that request it. Once available, Franczek Radelet will provide additional information about obtaining the sample policy.
More Information
- Darcy L. Kriha
dlk@franczek.com
312.786.6569 - Jennifer A. Smith
jas@franczek.com
312.786.6589 - Jacqueline F. Wernz
jfw@franczek.com
312.786.6137