Medication in early childhood education

Staff and the guardian together write a medication plan for the child before any medication is given, should the child require medication during the day in early childhood education. In early childhood education, a child is given only those medications that are essential for their well-being and health during the day.

• Procedures at both the daycare center and at home follow the medication plan.
• The guardian briefs the staff on the child’s medication needs.
• The guardian brings information from the child’s treating physician to the early childhood education staff.
• The guardian takes information from the early childhood education staff to the child’s treating physician.

The medication plan guides and standardizes the safe administration of medication for the child. In early childhood education must ensure and plan for the necessary professional competence of staff and arrangements for substitute personnel.

Each daycare center has its own medication administration plan. Staff members who administer medication have completed the training and orientation outlined in the plan, ensuring their competence in medication administration.

• The guardian delivers the child’s medications, dosage instructions, and care supplies to the daycare center.
• The guardian informs the staff of any changes to the child’s medication and ensures that the medications at the daycare center are up to date.
• The guardian disposes of expired medications and pharmaceutical waste appropriately.
• The guardian discusses with a doctor the possibility of prescribing long-acting medications for the child, allowing the medication to be given primarily at home.