Updated April 03, 2015.

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Have you ever wondered how much asthma help your school administrator could provide? According to the Coalition for Healthy Schools and Pediatric Asthma Coalition of New Jersey, “kids learn better in a clean and healthy school,” and your school administrator can provide a significant amount of asthma help. Consider discussing these 5 items with your school administrator to get the most asthma help possible:

1. Maintenance program- A clean environment is a tremendous asthma help for patients with environmental triggers. A number of asthma triggers, such as dust, dust mites, and other pests can trigger asthma and the school needs to do everything possible to ensure a healthy school environment. This will involve not only developing a plan, but also making sure all appropriate laws and policies are followed. Ask your school administrator if there is a regular maintenance program designed to ensure a well-maintained school.
2. Annual training- Making sure that school staff understand asthma is really a safety issue. While you as a parent will discuss the specifics of your child's asthma with the school, hearing from school leadership that understanding asthma is an important job responsibility for all teachers and staff reinforces the school's commitment. In order to provide asthma help for students, everyone must work together to ensure a healthy and knowledgeable environment for all students.
3. Review procedures- Most school districts have policies related to chronic illnesses such as asthma. These policies only help asthma patients if all teachers and staff are aware, and actually follow the policy. Ask to see policies related to asthma and ask your school administrator how often these policies are reviewed with faculty and staff. For example, many schools prohibit buses idling where fumes might affect students on the sidewalk. If the school bus drivers are not aware of the policy it will not provide asthma help for your child.

1. Walk around school- Do you ever see your school administrator touring the school grounds to identify any potential health or safety issues for your child? School administrators who venture out of their offices are more effective. If you see some areas of concern while on campus, make sure you mention them to the school administrator and then follow up to make sure the asthma help you suggested was acted upon.
2. Know Your State Laws- All states have laws related to healthy schools and, unfortunately, sometimes schools need to be reminded of it. You should make yourself aware of state laws so that you can provide asthma help by pointing out any areas where your school is not keeping up. For example, many states have mandatory education related to asthma, pest management policies, and policies related to new construction. However, school districts do not always follow the laws and policies that have been set up. A gentle reminder is often all it takes to get them back into compliance,

<sub>Sources:

The Pediatric/Adult Asthma Coalition of New Jersey. Accessed August 8, 2010. Asthma Friendly Schools</sub>