Parents Raise Concerns Over Breakfast In Class
CHICAGO (WBBM) - Some parents are working to limit Chicago's new Breakfast in the Classroom program based on concerns that it will distract from learning and put allergic children at risk.
Newsradio 780's Nancy Harty finds at least 1,400 parents want the program to be optional but the Board of Education approved the mandate Wednesday, saying it gives low income kids a healthy start to the day.
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Parent Cara Moroze says they will continue to gather signatures, at Blaine Elementary on the north side, against something they see as waste of precious money and time.
Parent Jeannie Lewis is worried that bringing milk and eggs into classrooms will harm kids with life-threatening allergies just like her son.
She says despite best efforts, 5-year-olds will spill and teachers may be too busy to clean up a potentially very serious mess.
Last month, a 7th grader at Edison died from an allergic reaction to food she ate at a class party.
A CPS spokeswoman says 62 elementary schools already have the program and expansion will start with low-income schools.
Monique Bond says parents can opt out individually and should inform schools about their child's allergies.
CPS introduced a policy this week that outlines ways to limit allergy exposure and train staff on emergency response.
