Caring for Children with Food Allergies

This is a trusted resource for current research and best practice as it relates to young children. The AAP has a food allergy emergency action plan template that can be printed and completed by a doctor for a child with a food allergy.

Belay and The Elijah-Alavi Foundation have developed the only accredited food training program available for daycares and childcare centers (accredited by the internally renowned IACET). Completion of the course results in a 2-year certification in food allergy safety as well as CEU credits. The team behind this course also work hand-in-hand with staff and administrators to help them create a safe facility for children with food allergies. While first passed in New York State, Elijah’s Law has now passed in the state of Illinois. Belay and the Elijah-Alavi Foundation are together, committed to making all Illinois child care centers safe for children living with food allergies.

The Belay App (free) connects parents and caregivers to protect children with food allergies. Parents effortlessly create their child’s food allergy profile and easily share the child’s profile and life-saving information with anyone caring for their child. 

The team at CFAAR has created many educational resources. You will find Early Childhood Food Allergy education videos for: EC professionals (in English & Spanish) Parents (in English & Spanish) Young children ( a 20 second song to sing at snack/meal time)

This webpage describes guidelines for supporting children with food allergies in early care and education settings.

This website includes lots of information and resources for EC Providers and Parents. You will find FAQs, a 10 minute Anaphylaxis Training and a Preschool Page for those who live and work with a child who has food allergies. Go here to find: helpful tips, emergency action plan templates (english and spanish), education videos for EC professionals and parents, upcoming webinars and advocacy opportunities for everyone who want to be more involved with food allergy education initiatives.

MOCHA is a group of parents sharing information and supporting each other. MOCHA started in Chicago yet members are from around the United States. They have a free newsletter and provide resources and advocacy opportunities.

This video depicts strategies for parents seeking to explain their child’s food allergy to another adult.

This video depicts a food allergy education song for young children.

This free, online, and on demand training is appropriate for all adults and parents working and living with young children in any setting. It provides necessary information, strategies, and resources to address food allergies in early childhood spaces. PD/CE hours are available for Early Childhood professionals. It’s easy to enroll!