How teachers can help…

Teachers want to do everything they can to help your child manage her or his asthma. Keep in mind, however, that they are not doctors - they can't diagnose asthma and they can't treat it.

It is up to you to tell them about your child's asthma needs. Give them a copy of your child's action plan. Teachers will use this information to protect your child from possible asthma triggers, but keep in mind, too, that teachers can't control all the physical conditions in their classrooms. For this reason, we advise you to talk to your principal about ridding your child's school of asthma triggers such as dust and mold.

Here's what teachers can do:

Emergencies: During an emergency, teachers will call for assistance and, if necessary, help your child administer asthma medication. As noted previously, you must fill out a 504 Form to request permission for your child to carry medical equipment at school.
Non-emergencies: At all other times, teachers will give your child time to self-administer medication or visit a nurse, as long as your child adheres to a treatment schedule that you provide.
School trips: Your child has a right to participate in school trips. Teachers can help your child avoid situations that might trigger an asthma attack, but only if you warn them that an upcoming school trip might pose a danger. You may need to make special arrangements with the school to make sure your child is properly monitored, either by a nurse or another adult. This decision can be made only by your doctor in consultation with school health staff - not by your child's teacher.
Animals in classrooms: In some schools, furry animals are kept in classrooms. If these animals could trigger an asthma attack in your child, you should warn the school. Make sure your child sits as far away as possible from the animal's cage, and ask the teacher to keep the animal caged as much as possible; clean the cage regularly; and locate the animal away from ventilation system vents to avoid circulating allergens throughout the room or building. If these steps don't work, discuss other solutions with the teacher or school nurse.
Classroom supplies: If certain classroom supplies trigger asthma attacks in your child, you should alert the teacher. Once you do, the teacher will try to prevent your child from coming into contact with these supplies.
Excessive dust, mold and water leakage: If these conditions trigger an asthma attack, ask the principal to see if these conditions can be corrected. In addition, ask the teacher if the UFT representative can also speak to the principal. The UFT has an excellent track record when it comes to getting the Board of Education to remove waterlogged porous material, because soaked ceiling tiles, sheetrock and even books can quickly become breeding grounds for mold.