I am an elementary teacher with type 1 who has a student in her class with type 1. This student has been drinking lots of water and going to the bathroom often throughout class. I am concerned because when I had these symptoms I was going through DKA. I do not know if I should say something to his parents or anything because I am concerned for his health, but I do not want to stick my nose into his medical issues because I am clearly not a doctor and I know everyone is different. Because we both have diabetes in common, I feel somewhat responsible to tell his parents, I just do not know to what extent to take it. Any ideas?
Does the student test regularly? I assume the child is with you all day (been a long time since I was in elementary school and maybe that has changed). So you must see her testing. You might want to casually ask “how is your blood sugar” and see 1) if she tests on a regular basis and 2) if she runs high a lot (which would cause the excessive drinking and urinating). You might want to also bring the school nurse into the picture if you don’t want to be seen as over-stepping your role. (Even though you most likely know more than the nurse and can share your concerns with her in a way that would subtly educate her)
i suggest you stick your nose in… if it was my kid id want it to be brought to my attention… if they dont do nothing about it call child services on them! im sorry im so blunt but a child cant take care of themselves properly its up to the parents…
As a parent, I’d say, ABSOLUTELY, stick your nose in. The more people watching out for the child’s well-being, the better, and I for one would be vastly relieved to know that my son (who will be starting school in a couple of years) had a teacher experienced with T1D watching over him. But I’m wondering – this child is in your class, and you’re not included in his 504 Plan? Why on earth not? I would think that the 504 Plan would have to include you because you’re the one who sees him on a regular basis, so you’d be the one who would be the first line of defense against lows or DKA. I would confer with the school nurse and principal to find out what the terms of his 504 Plan are – and if he doesn’t have one, run up a red flag to the parents to let them know that this is an important oversight. It’s possible that his parents don’t even know they’re supposed to have one. Heck, it’s possible his parents aren’t even very conversant about what to do to care for a child with T1D, in which case they might be grateful for your help in learning about it… it seems clear to me that not all parents are as fortunate as I am to have a team of committed and attentive educators. Or, as Brian suggests, it might also be that the parents are neglectful and the school needs to call child services… but before you go that route, I’d suggest finding out whether the parents are really neglectful or just uneducated (or, just plain intimidated by the disease and its complexities that they can’t figure out WHAT to do and are doing nothing out of plain old fear). In any case, I would encourage you to butt in, for the child’s sake.
As a teacher don’t you tell parents you think their child might need glasses!! How about if you think a child is being abused??? Yes, yes tell them, I also say this as a parent, grandpa and a type 1.
You should involve your administration immediately. My sister (non-diabetic) is an elementary school principal. She learned there are myriad subtleties and legalities involved in what you can and cannot do. She had a child who was T1 who was basically mistreated by the parents through mismanagement of the child’s diabetes. She turned in the parents to social services on a couple occasions, involved the school’s healthcare professional’s, and on and on. It turned out poorly regardless of her efforts to help the child.
I hope your situation turns out better - it almost surely will. But involve others soon.
IMHO, Ding Ding Ding! in order to CYA and still feel like youve addressed your concern bringing the issue up to your school principal or administration is the best way to go. Then you get approval from the higher ups if you are sticking your nose in and also are making sure your not causing trouble. If there was something wrong with my kids, I would want the school to let me know. All the best with this and kudos to you for being concerned.
I am also a Type 1 teacher 
If it were me, I’d go to the parents, with an honest curiosity about how things are going at home for them with the diabetes. I’d also tell my administration that I’m worried. I also have a social worker at my school, and would tell her - if you have one, I think getting him/her involved couldn’t hurt.
If things seem ‘off’ or things don’t improve after talking to the parents, take it to the administration again, or get social services involved. I see it just like abuse - we as teachers have to report it if we suspect it, and we’ll never ‘get in trouble’ for being mistaken - if you think the diabetes is being mismanaged, take it to social services. They can investigate and if help is needed, get the help for the child. If no help is needed, you won’t get in trouble for reporting, and it should remain anonymous.
My feelings are the same as Keith’s. I expect the classroom teacher to let me know when something is going on with my child: can’t see the board, won’t behave, can’t spell, cried at lunchtime, drinks like a manic and pees like a racehorse.
I don’t want to take away from the subject too much but I would like to share a different perspective. When I was newly diagnosed in the 4th grade, my school was so apprehensive about the situation that they actually located a type 1 teacher to be my teacher the next year. When I began rebelling with my diabetes (acceptance issues) my teacher was the first to notice the symptoms of being out of control. My family was involved with my management, but were limited due to their careers and their own lives. Also, only to the extent I let them into my issues. My teacher casually discussed the issues with me, speaking in generalities and just asking how I’m doing. Then, she went to my mother with her concerns. I’m just saying that it’s not always an isue of abuse or neglect when a kid’s sugars are going out of control, and I know my family didn’t need the whole school administration or, god forbid, state services involved in order for them to take a wake up call. Those should be extreme measures, in my opinion.
You asked …here is my response :my simple short idea: …tell the parents now . ( put your xxx on the line, if that’s what it takes ) I see it as your responsibility with your knowledge about diabetes at your finger tips …And , no doubt , you feel much better to have reported this , much before your student ends up in DKA .
Yikes! Tricky situation! I think you should get an administrator on your side, and then somehow inform the parents. Can you get the school or district nurse involved? Can the nurse talk to the parents? Kids are in school most of the day, and some of them are around teachers longer during the day than they are their parents, so you might be noticing things that the parents just aren’t. Would you hesitate to talk to the parents if you noticed their child exhibit symptoms of another illness? or a learning disability? Whether they like it or not, parents have to rely on teachers to notice things that they might not, simply because their kid is with you for a huge chunk of the day. At least if you speak up and mention something, no matter how the parents respond, you will have done your part. I would just trust your instincts that something is wrong, and talk to someone about it. Good luck! Please let us know how the situation turns out!
I think its very important as a teacher for you notify your observations. You do not have your opinion and conclusion. But to begin with i will have an informal meeting with the parents and let them know your observations and it is up to them to take further action. Alternatively u can discuss it with the Staff nurse. Ideally teachers are next to parents and are vital in the sense students spend good percentage of their daily routine with their teachers. They should form the link.
It really depends on what you think is going on Robyn.
My state/district is very explicit about what a teacher must do if he/she suspects the child is in a dangerous/abusive situation. Under no circumstances do we speak to the parents first or investigate on our own. We immediately file a report and notify an administrator, in that order. Child services is charged with the investigation. We really aren’t given much choice in the matter. If it is discovered that we even suspected that a child was in danger and did not report it first, we can get into serious trouble.
I’d check on exactly what your responsibilies are in cases of suspected neglect before you pursue this.
This pdf may spell out school responsibilities for diabetic students in Michigan
additional links:
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/diabe…
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/diabe…
Scuse me for playing dumb, but I would assume that a child with T1, should have a 504 plan. And by should, I really mean must, although it is not mandatory, a T1 child won’t be given treatment by a school and any problems will be solved with an ambulance ride. That plan should be read and followed by all of that child’s teachers. For an elementary age child that plan should have all the teachers observe the child for any problems related to T1 (such as hypo/hyperglycemic symptoms) and have a specific plan for action. Your asking about this in this way suggests that there is either not a 504 in place or that it is deficient. And I just out in left field again or what?
dont even get me started on this school… he does not have a 504 plan, the school is completely disorganized with an incredible lack of communication. this is my first year teaching, and i was just thankful to find a job in this economy, but this school really does not have anything together… i could go on forever about it
Robyn,
I hope you’ll post what you did, what administration did, what the school nurse did - so some of us can know what happens. We’re interested - in both your situation and the child’s - and parental reaction. And whether or not as a first year teacher you were given a mentor teacher in the system. I think you’re an astute, great person to bring this kind of problem to the attention of all of us. Have a great year!
Well, without a 504 in place, you don’t have any authority to treat, but I am sure you feel an obligation to not only protect the child and your own job, but to do the “right thing.” It would seem to me the best course of action would be to gently assist the family in advocating for their child by perhaps making available information to them. And second, most importantly getting clarity on guidance from the school on how to act in this situation, despite the confusion in your current environment. You might find that your school system has special education resources that can aid you in how to proceed.
Let us know how it works out.