The LEARN (Learning Educator's Anaphylaxis Response Needs) Early Project

Food allergies are a growing public health problem, and young children in preschools and early childhood education centers face a significant risk of in-school allergic reactions. Food allergies also disproportionately affect children in underserved communities.

To assess food allergy knowledge and preparedness at federally funded Head Start Centers, the LEARN (Learning Educator's Anaphylaxis Response Needs) Early Project was designed.

On partnership with Head Start Centers in Connecticut and Louisiana, program directors and health care managers completed an Allergy Preparedness Questionnaire and the Food Allergy Knowledge Test (FAKT). Additional questions evaluated rates of food allergies and feelings of preparedness to manage food allergy emergencies.

In a review of food allergy management policies at the centers, we identified multiple areas for potential policy improvement. We also found that the average FAKT score was only 67.2% correct despite high levels of self-reported preparedness. There was no positive correlation between self-reported preparedness and FAKT score. These results suggest underpreparedness and overconfidence, which may create a barrier in motivating centers to pursue additional food allergy training. Indeed, we found that nearly half of the teachers declined the need for additional education when asked what additional training would be helpful, and only 20% of center staff cited training as something that would help them feel more prepared in managing food allergy emergencies.

Initial surveys demonstrate multiple barriers and knowledge gaps that exist surrounding food allergy and Head Start Centers. This reveals an opportunity that could be key in improving health care outcomes among children in underserved communities.