Peanut-Free and Nut-Free Daycare: How Allergy Plans Work

A peanut-free daycare does not serve peanuts or peanut products and asks families not to send them. A good allergy program goes further: each child with a food allergy has a written allergy action plan from their doctor, staff know how to spot a reaction, and epinephrine is ready if it is prescribed. In Illinois, licensed child care programs must have at least one staff member present at all times who is trained to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis.

Here is how allergy plans work and what to ask.

Peanut-free, nut-free and allergy-aware

• Peanut-free: no peanuts or peanut ingredients in food served or sent from home.
• Nut-free: no peanuts and no tree nuts, such as almonds, cashews, walnuts and pecans.
• Allergy-aware: allergens may be present, but staff follow plans to keep allergic children safe.

No center can promise a place is completely free of an allergen. What matters is how carefully food is chosen, labels are read and staff are trained.

What Illinois law requires

Illinois passed the Child Anaphylactic Policy Act, often called Elijah's Law, in 2021. It is named after Elijah Silvera, a 3-year-old in New York who died after being given a food he was allergic to at child care. Under the law:

• The state sets anaphylaxis policies and a training course for schools and child care programs.
• Licensed day care centers and homes must keep and follow each child's allergy treatment plan.
• At least one staff member trained in recognizing and responding to anaphylaxis must be present at all times.

What an allergy action plan includes

Your child's doctor fills out the plan. It usually lists:

• The specific foods your child must avoid
• Mild symptoms, such as an itchy mouth or a few hives
• Severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, throat tightness, repeated vomiting or swelling of the lips or tongue
• What to do for each, including when to give epinephrine and call 911
• Medication names and doses
• Emergency contacts

Give the center a signed copy, the prescribed medication and any required consent forms before your child's first day. Check expiration dates on epinephrine auto-injectors and replace them on time.

Signs of a serious reaction

• Trouble breathing, wheezing or repeated coughing
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
• Hives spreading over the body
• Repeated vomiting
• Pale or blue skin, floppiness or sudden sleepiness

Young children may not be able to explain what they feel. Some say their mouth is "spicy" or "itchy," or they put their hands in their mouth or pull at their tongue.

How good centers prevent exposure

• Reading every ingredient label, every time, including for party treats
• A posted list of allergies in the classroom and kitchen, shared with substitutes
• Handwashing before and after meals for children and staff
• Cleaning tables and high chairs between meals
• Seating plans that keep allergic children safe without isolating them
• No food sharing between children
• Clear rules for birthday and holiday treats
• Taking epinephrine on walks, outings and outdoor play

Questions to ask before you enroll

1. Is the center peanut-free, nut-free or allergy-aware?
2. Who prepares the food, and how are labels checked?
3. How is my child's plan shared with every teacher, including substitutes?
4. Where is my child's epinephrine kept, and does it go outside with the class?
5. Which staff are trained in anaphylaxis, and how often?
6. How do you handle birthdays and food from home?
7. How will you tell me if my child has a reaction?

For more questions, see our daycare tour checklist.

Introducing peanut early

Pediatric guidelines now recommend introducing peanut-containing foods early, often around 4 to 6 months, to lower the chance of a peanut allergy, especially for babies at higher risk. This happens at home, under your pediatrician's guidance, not at daycare. Ask your doctor before starting.

Frequently asked questions

Are all daycares peanut-free?

No. Policies vary. Ask each center about its food and allergy policy.

Can a daycare give my child epinephrine?

Yes, when it is prescribed and you provide the medication and signed plan. Trained staff follow the plan.

Can I send my child's own food?

Many centers allow this for children with allergies. Ask about labeling and storage rules.

What if my child develops a new allergy?

Tell the center right away and bring an updated plan from your doctor.

Meals at Children's Land

Children's Land serves hot breakfast and lunch made with organic ingredients from a catering partner, and our menus are peanut- and tree-nut-free. Talk with your center director about your child's allergy plan before the first day. Find a location or read our FAQ.

Related reading: Daycare Incident Reports: What Parents Should Know.