Training Resources for School Staff
The Association has many training and support materials that can prepare and educate school staff to provide needed care to students with diabetes.
Using these resources and working in collaboration with students, their parents, and their diabetes providers, schools can ensure that every child with diabetes has the best opportunity to get a great education and can safely participate in all school activities.
Learn about our online resources below that may be used by a school nurse or other qualified health care professional to train school staff.
NEW Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed: A Guide for School Personnel
The American Diabetes Association’s Safe at School® Campaign is pleased to offer Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed: A Guide for School Personnel that has been updated to reflect important improvements to diabetes technology and treatment. Our updated school guide incorporates ADA’s current Diabetes Medical Management Plan (“DMMP”) and best practice in the school setting for implementation of the DMMP. The guide should be shared with school nurses, administrators, and staff; pediatric diabetes care providers, families of students with diabetes, policy makers, and other community partners.
Diabetes Care Tasks at School: What Key Personnel Need to Know
Check out our PowerPoint module online training curriculum designed to train school staff in diabetes care tasks. Whether school staff are providing diabetes care for the first time or just need a refresher, this is a useful resource. Each module consists of a short PowerPoint presentation and a post-test at the end. Videos accompany most of the modules.
NEW! Recommendations for use of continuous glucose monitors in the school setting
The Safe at School® campaign has updated CGM and sensor recommendations providing school nurses, diabetes health care providers, and families with guidance in providing care to students who use this technology.
NEW! Safe at School® Case Studies
These case studies have been developed by the Safe at School Working Group of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) to help school nurses, school administrators, trained non-clinical school staff, providers, and parents/guardians plan and navigate diabetes care throughout the school day and at all school-sponsored events. These real-life scenarios may be helpful in determining staffing, training, and problem-solving, and reflect common questions received by the ADA. The following case studies have been constructed to reflect the best school diabetes management practices in the areas of:
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) dosing and remote monitoring (PDF)
- Insulin dose corrections (PDF)
- Parental input to diabetes care (PDF)
- Transition of a student to independent self-management (PDF)
- School’s legal obligation to provide a school nurse and/or trained non-clinical school staff (PDF)
Safe at School Virtual Workshop for Pediatric Diabetes Health Care Providers
Safe at School Virtual Lunch and Learn for pediatric diabetes health care providers was held on March 4 and co-presented by Fran R. Cogen, MD, CDCES, Director of the Washington Nationals Diabetes Care Complex at Children’s National Medical Center, and Crystal Woodward, MPS, Director of Safe at School, ADA. This informative live webcast offered participants the opportunity to ask questions and understand how they can advocate on behalf of their with diabetes and much more. Watch here https://youtu.be/-rjN_2sfuso.
ADA Camp technology videos and training slide decks
These camp resources provide instruction on operating diabetes devices and include training slide decks for diabetes camp personnel that may also be useful in the school setting.
Safe at School childcare modules
These modules provide an overview of legal protections for children with diabetes and basic diabetes management for childcare managers and employees.
Understanding diabetes poster
The Association's "Understanding Diabetes" poster should be used to educate and alert school employees and others who provide care and supervision to students about the symptoms of diabetes.
Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP)
The Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) prescribes the health care provider orders for all diabetes care provided in the school setting. This individually developed plan is developed and signed by the student’s diabetes provider. The DMMP is the basis for all the health care and education plans designed to meet the needs of students with diabetes.
School nurse pump training skills checklist
The Association’s Safe at School, School Nurse Pump Training Skills Checklist was designed for school nurses and/or designated school employees who provide care for students with diabetes on insulin pumps.
State diabetes resources
Many states have created specific diabetes resources, guidelines, and materials for schools. These materials are found on the Association's state-specific pages and most may also be accessed through the state's education and/or health department. Check out your state's policies for additional resources.
New! Safe at School: Overview of Insulin Concentration for School Nurses
Insulin comes in different concentrations. It is critical to look at the insulin pen or vial for the concentration before dosing insulin. This guidance will provide information to help ensure safety for students with diabetes.
New! Emergency Lockdown Preparation
Learn what you can do to make sure the needs of students with diabetes are met in case of a school lockdown or other emergency.
Tips for school nurses
Tips for School Nurses provide ideas to help the school nurse coordinate diabetes care in the school setting. Tips include planning for the care newly diagnosed or returning student, where to seek training resources, preparation for field trips, what information to provide to transportation, and other information.
Frequently asked questions on diabetes care for school officials
Find the answers to some of the common questions school staff have about diabetes care at school. Should students be allowed to test blood glucose in the classroom? Is calling 911 an adequate substitute for having school staff trained to respond to an emergency? Are honors students eligible for a 504 Plan?
Medical and scientific sources of authority
Get more information on diabetes care in school, including position statements from stakeholder organizations, journal articles, research and best practices. These resources can help your school or district implement practices that ensure a great school experience for your students with diabetes.
- Your School & Your Rights brochure (English) explains legal protections for students with diabetes under federal and state laws.
- Your School & Your Rights brochure (Spanish) explains legal protections for students with diabetes under federal and state laws.
- Children with Diabetes and the Childcare Setting (English) explains legal protections for children with diabetes in the child care setting.
- Children with Diabetes and the Childcare Setting (Spanish) explains legal protections for children with diabetes in the child care setting.
Other References
- Tips for Teachers (PDF)
- Solutions for Common Diabetes Management Concerns in the Classroom (PDF)
- Hyperglycemia (High Blood Glucose) Emergency Care Plan (PDF)
- Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Glucose) Emergency Care Plan (PDF)
Page updated June 21, 2023.