Overview
Diabetes must be managed 24/7, and for children with diabetes, that includes time spent at school or school-sponsored activities like field trips and extracurricular activities, in child care programs, and at summer camp or recreational programs. Our Safe at School campaign works to make sure the diabetes management needs of children are met so they are healthy and safe and able to enjoy the same opportunities as their peers.
Federal law gives students the right to receive the diabetes care they need to be safe and participate in school activities just like any other child. Schools should provide the following:
- Trained staff to monitor blood glucose (blood sugar) levels and administer insulin and glucagon
- Trained staff to provide diabetes care during field trips, extracurricular events, and all school-sponsored activities
- Capable students permitted to self-manage their diabetes anytime, anywhere
Schools should not:
- Make family members go to school to care for a student’s diabetes
- Transfer students to a different school to get needed diabetes care
- Prevent students with diabetes from participating in field trips, sports, and other school-sponsored activities
Read about your child’s rights under Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and other federal laws.
NEW! Safe at School® Offers Free Brown Bag and Back-to-School Webinars
The American Diabetes Association®’s Safe at School® campaign will offer free live webinars this spring and summer for school nurses, parents/guardians, 504 coordinators, school administrators, and coaches/athletic trainers. Q & A will be included at the end of each webinar. Please register below.
Free Brown Bag Webinars for School Nurses
Legal Protections for Students with Diabetes
May 15, 2025, 12:00–12:30 p.m. ET
How To Use ADA’s Updated Diabetes Medical Management Plan
June 3, 2025, 12–12:30 p.m. ET
School Lockdowns and Emergency Evacuation Best Practice
September 29, 2025, 12:00–12:30 p.m. ET
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the School Setting
December 8, 2025, 12:00–12:30 p.m. ET
Free Back-to-School Webinars
Diabetes 101 and Legal Protections for 504 Coordinators and School Administrators
June 4, 2025, 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET
Supporting Athletes with Diabetes for Coaches and Athletic Trainers
July 17, 2025, 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET
Legal Protections for Post-Secondary Students with Diabetes
August 6, 2025, 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET
Keeping Students with Diabetes Safe at School for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers
August 12, 2025, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET
Resources
Learn more about legal protections, written care plans, training, help for schools, and more.
