Integration of a child with celiac disease into a preschool institution

Introduction Celiac disease is a small intestine disease of chronic etiology that arises as inflammatory response of intestinal mucosa to gliadin, gluten protein component contained in wheat, rye, barley and oats. Celiac disease is necessary lifetime implementation of a gluten-free diet. Preschool institution provides conditions for each child to achieve individual needs, opportunities and interest. The aim of the research was to determine the attitudes of educators, examine their knowledge of celiac disease and gluten-free diet and evaluate competences to work with children suffering from celiac disease. Subjects, methods and results The survey was conducted with a survey of 20 questions in nine preschool institutions in Primorsko-Goranska County. A total of 260 educators were surveyed, of which 167 valid questionnaires on which survey was based. 97.6% of educators surveyed know what celiac disease is. Most have answered that celiac disease cannot get over (66.47%). 73.65% had no experience of working with children with celiac disease, while 56.29% of educators rated themselves competent to work. That they are not sufficiently informed about celiac disease answered 77.25% of educators. 39.52% of educators have encountered literature related to celiac disease, while only 10.18% participated in education. Caring for a child who suffers from celiac disease 53.89% do not experience demanding, while 55.69% respond that the inclusion of a child suffering from celiac disease in the regular group does not requires changes in educational work. The attitude of educators to kindergarten there are good conditions for the care of a child suffering from celiac disease 61,68%. Out of a total of 93 educators who were rated competent to work with children suffering from celiac disease, 66.67% completed some form of professional training that provides them with safety in their work. Conclusion Research shows that there is awareness among educators about celiac disease, anyone with experience in working with children with celiac disease evaluates it positive, and educators who are considered competent to work with children’s patients with celiac disease have completed some form of education. Integration a child suffering from celiac disease requires cooperation between educators, parents, kitchen workers and the health manager. Adapting educational groups and kindergarten kitchens are key in integration planning. It’s important ensure support for educators and carry out continuous training on the topic of celiac disease with the aim of strengthening the competences of educators to work with children with celiac disease, adapt the space of the educational group for the stay child, carry out professional development of kitchen workers for the preparation of gluten-free meals, adjust the kitchen area and draw up instructions for preparation of gluten-free meals with the aim of preventing contamination of meals, and encourage continuous cooperation with the Association of Celiac Patients