Let’s help our children thrive this school year
It’s hard to believe the 2022 school year is here already!
Getting ready for a new school year can be a stressful time for any family, but for those with children living with type 1 diabetes, there can be added challenges and complications.
The national Diabetes in Schools program is here to help though!
With information, tools and training resources, we can help your family and school support kids to really thrive this year. Diabetes in Schools is a free program provided under the NDSS.
We sat down with our Victorian Coordinator of Diabetes in Schools Program, Renae, for her advice and top tips for starting the new school year off right.
Video from Diabetes in Schools about how the program can support parents and carers to support their children with type 1 diabetes.
Click here to read the video transcript.
Source: https://www.diabetesinschools.com.au/parents-carers/
1. Back to school checklists
Use a back-to-school checklist to guide your planning for your child’s return to school and ensure you have considered all the key elements and have the equipment and supplies you need for the first day back at school.
2. Diabetes Action and Management plans
Meet with your child’s diabetes healthcare team to prepare your 2022 School Diabetes Action and Management Plan – make sure your child’s diabetes management and emergency contact details are up to date. A new plan is required each year, or earlier if there are any changes to your child’s diabetes management.
3. Meet with your child’s school
Organise a meeting at the start of the year with the school principal, classroom teacher and any other key school staff to discuss your child’s action and management plan. Your child’s plan should be signed off by the school principal.
We know that teachers and school staff already do such an important job in teaching and nurturing our kids, but students with type 1 diabetes need a little extra support. The Diabetes in Schools program can help school staff to learn more about type 1 diabetes and have the confidence to support students’ individual needs.
4. Have your back-to-school supplies ready
Ensure your child’s diabetes supplies are ready. Make sure your child’s school hypo kits are fully stocked and labelled. Also have on hand any spare insulin, blood glucose monitoring strips and ketone strips that might be needed at school.
Visit the Diabetes in Schools website for more information at: www.diabetesinschools.com.au
The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is an initiative of the Australian Government and is administered by Diabetes Australia. The NDSS agent in Victoria is Diabetes Victoria. Find out more about the NDSS at ndss.com.au, the NDSS Privacy Policy or call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 700.
