The Back-to-School Allergy Checklist: 10 Things Parents Should Do Before the First Day

(August 2026)

Written by Dr. Gina Dapul-Hidalgo, MD

Back-to-school season is busy enough without worrying about allergy symptoms.

For children with environmental or food allergies, preparing before the first day can make the transition back to school much smoother.

I’m Dr. Gina Dapul, board-certified allergist and founder of Family Center for Allergy and Asthma. In this post, I want to share 10 important things parents can do before school starts to help their children stay healthy and prepared.

A little preparation now can make a big difference later.

1. Review Your Child’s Allergy Triggers

Make sure you know exactly what triggers your child’s symptoms.

This may include pollen, dust mites, mold, pets, foods, or other environmental allergens.

If you are unsure of your child’s triggers, consider discussing allergy testing with an allergist.

2. Make Sure Medications Are Up to Date

Check expiration dates on all allergy medications and make sure prescriptions are current.

If your child needs medication during school hours, confirm what the school requires and provide the appropriate medication according to its policies.

3. Create or Update an Allergy Action Plan

Children with significant allergies should have a clear plan for what to do if symptoms occur at school.

The plan should explain your child’s symptoms, medications, emergency steps, and when school staff should contact you or seek emergency medical care.

4. Communicate With the School

Do not wait until the first day of school to tell teachers and school staff about your child's allergies.

Make sure the appropriate people understand your child's triggers and what to do if symptoms occur.

5. Discuss Food Allergies With Your Child

If your child has food allergies, review which foods they need to avoid and reinforce the importance of not sharing food.

Age-appropriate conversations can help children understand how to advocate for themselves while they are at school.

6. Check Your Child’s Emergency Medication

If your child has been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector, make sure it is not expired and that the school has the medication it needs.

Parents should also make sure school staff know where the medication is stored and understand when it should be used.

7. Prepare for Seasonal Allergens

Back-to-school season often overlaps with late-summer and early-fall environmental allergens.

If your child experiences seasonal symptoms, talk with your allergist about ways to manage them before they interfere with school, sports, sleep, or other activities.

8. Watch for Symptoms at School

Pay attention to symptoms that appear primarily during the school day.

Frequent sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, coughing, or skin symptoms may have an environmental trigger inside the classroom.

Dust, mold, or other allergens can sometimes contribute.

9. Teach Your Child What to Do

Children should know how to recognize their symptoms and tell a trusted adult when they are not feeling well.

The conversation should be appropriate for their age, but the goal is the same: make sure your child feels comfortable asking for help.

10. Schedule an Allergy Follow-Up if Needed

If your child's allergies have changed, become more difficult to control, or interfere with daily activities, back-to-school season is a good time to check in with an allergist.

Treatment plans may need to be adjusted as children grow and their symptoms change.

A Simple Back-to-School Allergy Checklist

Before the first day, make sure you have:

• Reviewed your child's known allergy triggers

• Checked medication expiration dates

• Updated prescriptions if needed

• Prepared or updated an allergy action plan

• Communicated with the school

• Reviewed food allergy safety

• Checked emergency medications

• Prepared for seasonal allergens

• Taught your child how to recognize and report symptoms

• Scheduled an allergy follow-up if needed

  
  
  
  

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school preparation is about more than school supplies and new clothes. For children with allergies, having a clear plan can provide parents, children, and school staff with greater confidence.

Taking care of these details before the first day can help your child focus on learning, making friends, and enjoying the school year.

Ready to prepare your child for a healthier school year?

If your child has persistent or difficult-to-control allergy symptoms, schedule an appointment with a board-certified allergist to discuss testing and treatment options.

To your health and well being,

Dr. Gina Dapul-Hidalgo