A few important things to keep in mind when planning a birthday party at school:

•Check with the teacher before planning anything -- schools have different policies on celebrating birthdays. And be sure to give sufficient advance notice.
•Get a head count -- some kids participate in class only part of the day due to special needs.
•Consider the various allergies (chocolate, dairy, wheat, nuts) some children have, and be prepared to either work around them or compensate for them.
•Consult with your child's room-mother to find out what has/hasn't been done in the past & discuss how involved you want to be in a party.
•Do not hand out party invitations in class unless all the children are being invited. This avoids hurt feelings.

 INSTEAD OF TREATS At my daughters' school, the teachers encourage parents to send a classroom gift rather than treats -- board games, books (which can get read that day), cassette tapes, markers, anything that can be shared among the kids. If your child likes crafts, maybe you can send individual craft kits for each child. Check with the teacher, who might be able to tie it in with a lesson somehow. -- MNMomx4

 CUPCAKES FOR THE CLASS I just started teacher-aiding at my daughter's preschool (it's 3s, 4s and kindergarten) and what most parents do is first check with the teacher and then usually bring in cupcakes (least messy) to be eaten at snack time. We welcome them to stay also. It's not really a big celebration, but the birthday person does wear a special hat that morning. Some teachers have a no-chocolate, no-candy preference. -- mariepokey

 SINGLE SERVINGS OF ICE CREAM We found some "Happy Birthday" ice cream sandwiches that the teacher did not have to cut and serve and could be cleaned up quickly. -- Tammy

 PARTY ALTERNATIVE If parties aren't allowed for some reason, check with the school to see if you can send a bouquet of balloons to the main office on the birthday and have them brought to him during the day. This is a great way to make your child feel special and remembered. -- KFL1227

 ALTERNATIVES TO SWEETS
•Yogurt cups, fruit cups, or veggies and dip -- MRSCDS
•Precut cubes of cheese -- MNMomx4
•Muffins -- Tish
•Shish kabobs of fruit -- jacks_mom