Back to School with Celiac Canada
It is that time of year again…
Whether you are starting or continuing post-secondary, or your child is going back to school, use these guidelines to keep them safe and empower them to advocate for themselves. Packed full of tips, recipes, and more! Like a good lunch box.
Successfully Navigating Celiac Disease at School
Growing up with celiac disease presents many challenges for both children and university students. Use this guidebook to educate your child’s teachers, classmates, and university staff so you can have a worry-free new school year.
What’s normal for most kids and students can be a minefield of uncertainty for those with celiac disease. School lunches, social gatherings, classroom celebrations, and university dining halls are just a few examples. But educating other kids, teachers, and university staff goes a long way to making sure cross-contamination and accidentally eating gluten doesn’t happen.
Fear of contamination can make kids and students feel anxious and isolated. We can help them feel like they safely belong by turning them into passionate advocates for celiac awareness, promoting understanding and inclusion for those living with the condition.
Back-to-School Guide for Families Living with Celiac Disease
Start the school year feeling prepared, informed, and confident. Designed for families with children from preschool through high school, this comprehensive Back-to-School Guide combines practical advice with helpful printables to support a safe and successful school experience.
What You’ll Find Inside
- Printable checklists and planning tools
- Tips for preparing for the first day of school
- Guidance on working with your child’s school team
- Ways to build your child’s confidence and independence
- Advice for handling unexpected situations with confidence
Elementary Guide
This guide for children in elementary school and high-school is your go-to resource for navigating the school environment while managing celiac disease. Filled with practical tips, strategies, and support, it ensures a safe and inclusive experience for children with celiac disease. This comprehensive guide is perfect for parents, caregivers, and educators, offering valuable insights to create a supportive and understanding school environment
What You’ll Find Inside
- How to create a safe and inclusive school environment for your child with celiac disease
- Effective communication strategies with teachers, principals, and school staff
- How to develop a plan for handling gluten exposures and unexpected situations
- Empower your child to advocate for their needs and build confidence
Post-Secondary Guide
This guide is your ultimate companion for navigating university or college life with celiac disease. Packed with practical tips, checklists, and delicious recipes, it covers everything from preparing gluten-free meals and handling social situations to living with roommates and managing cross-contamination.
What You’ll Find Inside
- Gluten-free meal planning, grocery shopping, and easy recipes
- Tips for navigating dining halls, social events, and campus life
- Strategies for living safely with roommates and preventing cross-contact
- Budget-friendly resources, checklists, and support for post-secondary success
Best and Worst Universities for People with Celiac Disease
In a survey conducted by Celiac Canada, students and parents shared their experiences with gluten-free accommodations at various post secondary institutions.
The top university that excelled in meeting students’ gluten-free needs was:
University of Guelph
This institution was recognized for their effective strategies, support systems and gluten-free food options for students with celiac disease, ensuring a more inclusive and accommodating environment.
Other institutions that came close were:
- University of Calgary
- Queens University
- Western University
Letters to Take to School
Send your child to school with a letter and brochure that explains the do’s and don’ts of celiac to teachers who may have never heard of it.
Back to School on Social Media
Facebook group: Join the CCA’s Facebook group and connect with parents experienced in raising a child with celiac disease.
Tune into our social media channels in September for tips and tricks from our team, our community and favourite influencers to make this the best gluten-free back-to-school ever!
Back to School Videos
Packed full of helpful hints, watch to get ready for the big day back.
More Great Content for Kids & Families
Check out our kid-related blog posts & recipes.
Back to School with Celiac Disease: Navigating Challenges and Finding Solutions
As back-to-school season approaches, children with celiac disease face unique challenges. Discover insights from Celiac Canada’s State of Celiac Survey on managing a gluten-free diet at school and the need for greater awareness and support.
Gluten-Free Food Guide for Children & Youth
The long-awaited Gluten-Free Food Guide for Children and Youth, crafted by Drs. Diana Mager and Justine Turner’s CONQUER Research Team at the University of Alberta, is officially here!
The gluten free diet (GFD) is currently the only treatment of Celiac Disease (CD).
