School Support
Custom Diabetes Training for Staff and Students
What is DYS School Support?
Since 1984, Diabetes Youth Services has been supporting the local diabetes community, and school is no exception! Our team of Certified Nurse Educators are here to ensure school support staff are confident in managing diabetes in school.
We believe it is important for everyone, from the school nurse to the bus driver, to be knowledgeable about diabetes. We also want to educate students on what diabetes is and teach them how to be a supportive friend.
FREE Customized Training on Type 1 Diabetes for your School Staff
Yes, you read that right! Diabetes Youth Services is proud to provide these trainings to local schools, daycares, and more at no cost to the family or school. At each visit, we provide a resource folder filled with information! Trainings are roughly 1 hour in length and are offered in person and via Zoom, depending on distance.
We personalize trainings to fit your needs including:
- Overview of diabetes for newly diagnosed child
- What to do in case of an emergency
- Diabetes technology/Continuous Glucose Monitors
- High and low blood sugar symptoms and treatment
- Carb counting and dosing for meals and snacks
- Understanding 504 Plans – Contact the child’s medical provider for information on Diabetes Medical Management Plans
- And so much more!
- If your school is located more than 50 miles from one of our nurse educators, training will be provided virtually via Zoom to ensure timely and effective support.
According to the American Diabetes Association, we offer Level 1, 2, and 3 trainings for your staff.
Free Interactive Classroom Presentations
Children living with diabetes are at a higher risk of being subject to bullying in school because of their disease. For no charge, DYS will send a representative to your child’s classroom and offer an interactive classroom presentation for students so they can better understand what diabetes is, how it is treated, and how to make their classmates living with diabetes feel safe and accepted.
NEW! Coaches Training Session
DYS is excited to provide a FREE crash course on safely managing diabetes in sports! This one-hour Zoom training, scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM, is designed for school and community coaches of all levels. In this session, coaches will learn how to confidently support athletes living with type 1 diabetes. Topics include a general overview of type 1 diabetes, the impact of sports and physical activity on diabetes management, the use of diabetes technology in sports, recognizing and treating high and low blood sugar levels, responding to emergency situations, and developing personalized treatment plans for athletes with diabetes.
This training is not only for traditional sports coaches—rec coaches, travel coaches, and leaders of extracurricular activities such as drama, marching band, or karate are also encouraged to participate. To make this resource widely accessible, DYS will offer this training before each sports season—Fall, Winter, and Spring—ensuring that coaches and mentors always have the opportunity to join and be prepared to support their athletes.
Getting Started is Easy!
To schedule a staff training or classroom presentation, simply have a representative of your school call our office at 419.291.1236 or email [email protected] to initiate the process.
Staff Training
Our team of trained educators can visit your school and train the entire staff about diabetes management. Our on-site or Zoom training covers topics such as basic diabetes care, diabetes technology/continuous glucose monitors, and handling emergencies in the classroom. We encourage all school staff to be involved in the training. Consider including playground monitors, food service personnel, bus drivers, and classroom aides. In accordance with the American Diabetes Association, DYS offers levels 1, 2, and 3 of training for school staff. Our trained RNs and Certified Diabetes Educators will work with you to find an appropriate date and time that works for you and the school staff. These sessions are free of charge.
Classroom Presentations
We offer age-specific classroom presentations for children living with diabetes. These interactive, entertaining, and educational presentations help to make the classmates of the child with diabetes more comfortable with the disease. Children are curious about diabetes, and it is often difficult for a teacher to explain. Our staff helps ensure the students are more aware and educated about diabetes and how to be a good friend. This understanding fosters respect, empathy, and open communication. This makes the classroom more comfortable for everyone.
Back to School Parent and T1D Checklist
DYS wants to ensure that your student with diabetes is ready for a healthy and happy school year. Check out our back-to-school checklist and ensure that you and your child living with diabetes are all set for an amazing school year!
Coaching Resources
Football, basketball, swimming, you name it! DYS has you covered by providing resources for you and your Coach this season. Keep everyone safe and in the know about diabetes with our Coaching Resources.