Authors
- Jelena Andesilić – Viškovo Kindergarten,
- Željko Jovanović – Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Department of Basic Medical Sciences,
- Nives Radošević Quadranti – Faculty of Health Studies, University of Rijeka, Department of Basic Medical Sciences
Article type:
Original Scientific Paper
Abstract:
Celiac disease is a small intestine disease with chronic etiology that appears as an inflammatory reaction due to disorder in immunity response of intestinal mucus on gliadin, a protein component of gluten which is found in wheat, rye, barley and oat. Basic method of celiac disease treatment is a lifetime gluten-free diet. Preschool institution as an educational institution ensures conditions required to meet individual needs and interests and gain possibilities for every child. In order to keep the disease under control, collaboration between parents and teachers is essential. Preschool institution should ensure conditions for children affected by celiac disease and apart from providing adequate area in the educational institution where child is staying, the utmost attention is given to adjusting the kitchen for preparation of gluten-free meals and education of preschool teachers and kitchen staff. From medical point of view, the disease is in the center of attention and not a child, while psychology and pedagogy teach us that focus is on the child and not on the disease. Integration is directed on children’s involvement in regular education system with the aim of recognizing the diversity of each individual and overcoming the prejudices, fears and lack of knowledge through holistic approach. The aim of this article is to identify attitudes, knowledge and competences of preschool teachers responsible for integration of children with celiac disease into preschool institution. The survey was conducted in April 2018 with involvement of nine kindergartens in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County. Research showed that preschool teachers are aware of celiac disease, that preschool institution has got conditions required for proper integration and that professional development increases competences of educators who are working with children affected by celiac disease.
Keywords:
celiac disease, gluten, child, pre- school institution, educator, gluten-free diet