Checklist for going back to school with type 1 diabetes (T1D)

• Talk with your child about how to answer questions from classmates and friends about T1D.
• Ensure you have a Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) from your child’s endocrinologist
which contains the medical orders that are the basis for your child’s diabetes and education
plans at school.

Your school nurse should prepare an:

Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) for your child based on the DMMP. Some of the things that might be included in
an IHP are: detailed information about their diabetes care at school, when and how often to check their blood sugar, how to treat low and high blood sugars, and administering insulin.

Emergency Care Plan for Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia, based on the DMMP, which summarizes how to
recognize and treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and whom to contact for help. The plan should be distributed
to all school personnel who have responsibility for your child during the school day and during school-sponsored
activities. A completed copy should be provided to you.

Prior to your child going back to school with type 1 diabetes, meet with your child’s school diabetes care team.
This team includes your school nurse, administration personnel, teachers, etc. Be sure to address diabetes-related
technology (continuous glucose monitors, cell phones, and insulin pumps) in the classroom and establish a
communication protocol to ensure you have daily insight into your child’s blood sugar levels and insulin dosages.

Become familiar with 504 Plans, which provide information/details for diabetes treatment and education-related
accommodations, and determine if your child needs one. If you decide one should be written, it should be completed
in partnership with your school diabetes care team. Learn more about 504 Plans at BreakthroughT1D.org/school.

Work with your child to develop a relationship with the individuals they interact with throughout the school
day, including before- and after-school care, lunchroom staff, coaches and sponsors for extracurricular activities.
Educate and train these individuals as necessary–they are a critical part of your child’s diabetes care team. You’ll find additional helpful educational resources you can share at BreakthroughT1D.org/school.

Make a plan with your child’s school diabetes care team about how you will communicate with them during
lunchtime. Plan in advance for hot lunches by requesting nutritional information and carbohydrate counts in order to calculate your child’s insulin dosage.

Whether your child is starting a new school year or returning to school after a new diagnosis, managing type 1 diabetes (T1D) in the classroom can be a little intimidating. School preparedness requires paperwork, special planning, and many conversations with teachers, school nurses, and other students. Breakthrough T1D is here with support and resources to help you and your child succeed, from preschool through college! Learn more by visiting BreakthroughT1D.org!