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(Unit 1) Topic 4: Healthy Learning Environments

Medication Management

​Topic 4 Page 6

What are your responsibilities when giving medication to children in your care?

If a child has a condition where the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) would apply, you must make reasonable accommodations and that may mean giving a child medication. ​

The family must provide written instructions to caregivers on the proper administration of the medications or treatment required for the child.  Care providers are free to choose whether or not to give medications outside of those required by the ADA.  Your decision must be clearly documented in your health care policy and handbook. If a medication is prescribed two times per day or daily, oftentimes the family members will be able to administer it at home.  There are exceptions, such as asthma medication, so be clear on when specifically medication needs to be administered. ​

Medication in Child Care

​From time to time, children may need to take medications while in care. Educators must be careful to handle medications properly and to ensure that children receive the appropriate dose of the right medicine at the right time. Keep in mind that creams and ointments such as diaper rash cream, sunscreen and insect repellent are also considered medications. ​

Early childhood programs need to set up a clear procedure for giving medications to children. Getting parents' written consent is an essential part of the process. The following are some ideas and tips for administering medications safely in the early childhood program setting.

• ​​Always require a signed release form. 

​Parents or legal guardians should sign a medication release form for each medication. The form should include the child's name, name of the medication, the dosage, and exactly what time the medicine should be given.

• ​Choose a designated person to dispense medication. 

​This helps ensure that medicines are given at the appropriate time and simplifies record-keeping. If the early childhood program does not have a nurse on staff, the center director or administrator may be the best person to dispense medication.

• ​​Give medicines only in the original container.  

​Both prescription and over-the-counter medicines need to be in an original bottle or package. The container should be labeled with the child’s name, correct dosage, and the pharmacy that filled the prescription.

• ​Contact parents with questions. 

​If you are unsure about how to give the medicine to a child, contact a parent for specific instructions, and note them on the release form. A pharmacist will not give out information on a specific child, but may be able to help with more general questions about storing the medicine and how often it should be given.

• Store medications properly. 

When refrigeration is required, store medications in a separate, covered container to prevent contamination of food and other medications. All medications must be stored in a place that is inaccessible to children.

• Get permission for over-the-counter medications and creams. 

You need parental permission to give a child any over-the-counter medications. Your early childhood program should set a policy about whether doctor's permission is required to give children over-the-counter medications. 

• Use an accurate medicine dropper or dosage spoon. 

Regular silverware spoons are not accurate for measuring medicine.

• Stop giving medication if you observe side effects. 

Make specific notes about the side effect. Inform parents and/or a medical professional.

• Keep a record. 

As soon as you give a medication to a child, record it in a designated notebook. Note the child’s name, the medication, the dose, and the date and time of day.

(Unit 1) Topic 4: Healthy Learning Environments * Navigation Menu