Talking to a school about supplies
Practical documentation and storage questions.
Not yet medically reviewed. Talk to your care team before changing your routine.
A clear conversation with your child's school before the year starts saves a lot of stress later. This guide covers the practical questions to ask about supplies, storage and paperwork. It isn't legal advice. Organizations such as the American Diabetes Association's Safe at School program can help if you run into problems.
The paperwork
Most schools will ask for a Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP). It's written with your child's care team and tells school staff what to do day to day and in an emergency. Many families also set up a Section 504 plan. That's a written list of accommodations, such as being allowed to eat in class, carry supplies, or take a break to check glucose. Students with diabetes are generally protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Questions about storage
Where will supplies be kept: the classroom, the nurse's office, or both? Can your child carry their own low treatments and devices? Who has access to backup insulin and glucagon, and where is the fridge if insulin needs to be stored? What happens during a lockdown or evacuation, and will a kit go with your child?
Questions about people
Who is trained to recognize and treat a low, and who can give glucagon? Rules on who may give medication at school vary by state, so ask what applies to your school. How will substitutes, bus drivers, coaches and lunch staff be told? Who will you hear from, and how, if something happens?
Questions about devices
Can your child keep their phone with them, if it shows their CGM? Will staff be able to follow CGM readings? What should staff do if a pump alarm goes off or a sensor falls off?
Questions about the school day
How are snacks, parties and lunch handled? What about testing days, PE, field trips and after-school activities? Can your child go to the nurse with a buddy?
Write it down
After the meeting, send a short email listing what was agreed, and keep copies of every plan. Review everything at the start of each school year and whenever your child's devices or care plan change.
Sources
- American Diabetes Association — Safe at School resources and Diabetes Medical Management Plan (diabetes.org)
- U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights — Protecting Students with Disabilities: Section 504 (ed.gov)
- NIDDK — Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed: A Guide for School Personnel (niddk.nih.gov)
Educational content only. Diabetes Collective does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with your care team before changing your diabetes management.