Main Content
Children In School
Position Statement
Children with diabetes have the right to be full participants in all aspects of school life.
School personnel or other caregivers of children should possess basic knowledge about diabetes and be able to recognize and respond to hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
Where requested, the Canadian Diabetes Association will work with school boards, administrators, teachers and parents to ensure the delivery of accurate and current information about diabetes, and to assist with the development of policies and programs addressing diabetes management.
On an ongoing basis, parents or guardians should take a pro-active role in educating their child’s teacher(s) and, if possible, classmates, about diabetes and the specific needs of their child, thus helping to ensure their own comfort with the school’s ability to keep their child safe and minimizing anxiety on the part of teachers and students.
Background And Rationale
Children with diabetes are sometimes denied the opportunity to participate in school activities and/or not adequately accommodated while attending school. These situations usually occur as a result of a lack of knowledge about diabetes.
Diabetes requires ongoing monitoring and attention. Children with diabetes must manage their condition by knowing the warning signs and by testing their blood glucose levels and taking prompt action if necessary. However, this can be a challenge, especially for very young children, but not an impossibility.
To this end, teachers and other school personnel must have adequate education, direction and resources. A broader understanding of diabetes enables schools to better safeguard the health of is students as well as minimize the anxiety of parents/guardians and school personnel. The Canadian Diabetes Association offers The Kids with Diabetes in Your Care resource kit to people who provide care to children with diabetes, including parents/guardians, school staff, childcare workers, coaches, youth workers and camp staff.