Bellmore-Merrick Child Care Program
ALLERGY AND ANAPHYLAXIS POLICY
Anaphylaxis Prevention
• Upon enrollment and whenever there are changes, parents/guardians will be required to
provide the program with up-to-date information regarding their child’s medical conditions,
including any allergies the child may have and any emergency medications prescribed for
potential anaphylaxis. The Parents/guardians will work in conjunction with the program and the
child’s medical provider to complete the documents required for any allergy that the child may
have. These documents will guide all staff in the necessary actions to take during an allergic or
anaphylactic reaction. The program will keep these documents and any emergency medications
in a designated area known to all staff members as outlined in the program’s healthcare plan
and will ask for updated paperwork when necessary.
Documents
• Any child with a known allergy will have the following documents on file when applicable:

  1. NYS OCFS form 7006 – Individual Health Care Plan for a Child With Special Healthcare Needs or
    approved equivalent
  2. NYS OCFS form 6029- Individual Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan or approved equivalent
  3. NYS OCFS form 7002 – Medication Consent Form or approved equivalent
    These forms will be completed by the child’s parents in conjunction with the program and the child’s
    medical provider. In the event of an anaphylactic reaction, staff will call 911 and follow the instructions
    outlined in these documents.
    Staff Training
    • All staff members will be trained in the prevention, recognition and response to food and other
    allergic reactions and anaphylaxis upon hire and at least annually thereafter. In addition, all
    program staff will complete the required NYS training on allergies and anaphylaxis. A number of
    staff will also maintain certifications in CPR & First Aid and Medication Administration Training
    (MAT).
    • If a child with an allergy requires the administration of Epinephrine or other emergency
    medications, the parents will be required to train any staff member caring for that child on the
    administration of the prescribed medication. The training will be documented on the child’s
    Individual Health Care Plan.
    2
    Strategies to Reduce the Risk of Exposure to Allergic Triggers
    • Bellmore-Merrick Child Care Program will have a posting with a list of individual children’s
    allergies that is visible to all staff and volunteers caring for the child. All staff will take steps to
    prevent exposure to a child’s known allergy, including but not limited to reading food labels.
    Handwashing, cleaning, and all other regulations related to allergies and anaphylaxis as outlined
    in the OCFS Childcare Regulations will be followed by all staff and volunteers.
    Communication
    • Upon enrollment of a child with a known allergy, all staff and volunteers will be made aware of
    the child’s allergy and associated medication needs, as well as ways to reduce the risk to
    exposure to said allergen. In addition, all parents and children will be made aware of any
    allergies in the classroom, as well actions being taken to reduce exposure. Confidentiality will be
    maintained when discussing any child’s allergy with parents and other children.