STOP. LOOK. ASK. GO: Food Allergy Education for Early Childhood (EC) Professionals in Illinois

Summary

This independent study is appropriate for all adults who work and interact with children ages birth through 6 years of age including those children from civilian and military families in daycares, early intervention programming, family childcare homes, preschools, or park district enrichment programs.  

Divided into four units, participants are required to complete all four units to receive Illinois Early Intervention Credits.

  • Unit 1  presents general awareness, knowledge, and comprehension of Food Allergy (FA) as outlined by the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), a national organization dedicated to equipping caregivers of children with food allergies.
  • Unit 2 analyzes a research-based video created by Northwestern University's Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research (CFAAR) which provides a practical application of food allergy knowledge in an early childhood setting.
  • Unit 3 shifts the focus to navigating food allergies in the real world with real families. Recognizing that food allergy policies apply to ALL children and families, special attention is provided for working with families of non-food allergic children, military families, special needs families, and families where English is the second language.  This unit also emphasizes practical tips and strategies.

Background:

  • The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention report that between 1997-1999 and 2009-2011, food allergy prevalence among children increased by 50%
  • Results from a 2015-2016 survey of more than 38,000 children indicate that 5.6 million children or nearly 8% have food allergies.  That is 1 in 13 children or roughly 2 in every classroom.
  • More than 40% of children with food allergies have experienced a server allergic reaction such an anaphylaxis.
  • Most allergic reactions (64%) that occur in a school setting happen in daycare or preschool.
  • 77% of Early Childhood Professionals reported working directly with food-allergic children and most were either teachers or administrators.

Credit Information

Level of Learning

Introductory-Awareness

EI Principles Addressed

1. Supporting Caregiver Capacity, 2. Facilitating Active Participation, 3. Collaborative Relationships, 7. Ongoing Communication, 8. Quality Services

EI Credit Awarded

1 Contact Hour in the Area of Working With Families AND

1 Contact Hour in the Area of Atypical Child Development

Gateways Approved

TO REGISTER:

  1. Go to www.foodallergyacademy.org  OR click on any "Register" button on this page.
  2. New Users, Click "Register for Account" to create a free account.
  3. In the top right corner, search for the course using keyword "STOP".
  4. Select the training titled, "STOP. LOOK. ASK. GO:  Food Allergy Education for Early Childhood Professionals".

Available for EI credentialing credit through June 30, 2027