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Kicked out of preschool for having Type 1 Diabetes

By: Abbysmomtype1

Kicked out of preschool for having Type 1 Diabetes, I was encouraged by my daughter’s endocrine team to enroll her in preschool. I was extremely apprehensive about leaving my child in the care of others, however I trusted the church it is located in. I had attended a service here and donated numerous items (changing table, car seat, clothing toys, ect) for an annual sale. My daughter, Abby Rose, spoke of attending preschool everyday. It was the highlight of her week for 4 weeks, until she was told she could no longer be accepted because of her disease. I was told she was an insurance liability and that because there was no nurse on staff, it was unsafe for her to be there.

Then why was she accepted in the first place?? Why was another child with Type 1 diabetes allowed to attend last year?? Why can’t someone who is trained in her care attend with her for the 2 ½ hour school day 2 days a week??

I was referred to this "wonderful preschool" by another local mom who has a child with Type 1 Diabetes, and who’s daughter attended the previous year. My nephew, along with numerous of my friends kids, had also attended this small Manhattan IL town preschool. I had met with the teachers before the school year had begun and spent time going through all the necessary information needed to care for Abby. She attended preschool for 2 ½ hours 2 days a week. She was able to enjoy interactions and learning with other children her age for 4 full weeks.

My babysitter or I had attended every day Abby was in preschool for snack time to check her blood sugar, administer insulin, and give directions for the rest of the short day. I had provided alternative phone numbers and a diabetes log in case of an emergency. I ensured that my daughter’s safety was a priority and that her needs were being attended to by all people involved in her care. Everything was going great, so I thought.

   I received a phone call from the preschool director, and she gave me the devastating news. I told her that I was in shock and that it was ok, she remarked back to me with "Well it has to be" and "Thank you for being understanding". I was not by any means understanding of the situation, I was in complete shock and did not know how to properly respond. 

    My job as a mother is to advocate for my daughter. I do not have any intentions of seeking monetary compensation, nor do I in any fashion want my child to attend a school where she is not welcome. I need to spread Type 1 Diabetes awareness and also inform people that although there are discrimination laws being implemented, not all children are offered an equal opportunity regarding education. I want a change.

Private religious “affiliations” are exempt from such discrimination laws and it is time to stand up for people’s rights. Discrimination is discrimination in any environment regardless of where it takes place. I find what they have done to be ethically and morally wrong. It has discouraged my faith as a Christian. I will never again recommend anyone to send their child to this preschool program. I am currently a Masters student at GSU and when I graduate I am going to receive my Certificate in Diabetic Education. I will one day open up my own diabetes clinic promoting health and wellness among the Diabetes community and demand a change for my future clients, friends and family members that could potentially face the same discrimination my daughter did one week ago. 

Thank you for hearing my concern and for promoting advocacy for a change.

Visitor's notice
  My job as a mother is to advocate for my daughter. I do not have any intentions of seeking monetary compensation. I need to spread Type 1 Diabetes awareness and also inform people that although there are discrimination laws being implemented, not all children are offered an equal opportunity regarding education. I want a change.