Question 1

Can a Daycare Turn Away a Child With Daily Medication Requirements?

Accepted Answer

No. The Americans With Disabilities Act states that daycare centers may not deny a child entry into the program or access to medication. There are some exceptions to this rule if the daycare center is a religious organization.

Question 2

Are Daycare Centers Required to Have Medical Personnel On Staff?

Accepted Answer

No. A daycare center does not have to hire a nurse or physician to provide on-site care protected by the ADA. If there is a situation in which a specific type of care cannot be conducted by non-medical personnel, the daycare center does not have to provide this service. Parents may wish to seek specialty daycare centers that have staff with medical backgrounds, though these types of centers are not common.

Question 3

Can a Parent Administer Medication During the Day?

Accepted Answer

It depends. Some daycare centers do not allow parents to provide medical care on-site due to insurance reasons. However, most daycare providers are flexible when it comes to needed medication.

Question 4

What Forms Do I Need to Provide?

Accepted Answer

At a minimum, parents should provide documentation that shows exactly which medication needs to be administered, how the medication needs to be stored, the exact dosage, and the time of day it must be provided. Most daycare centers will have additional paperwork the parent must complete and sign for insurance reasons. Many also require a doctor's note that details the necessity for the medication.

Question 5

Will a Daycare Administer Over-the-Counter Medicine?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. The ADA does not require that over-the-counter (OTC) medications be given to children unless necessary as ordered by a physician. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that daycare centers have a policy for offering OTC medications. Parents should be prepared to complete documentation that states these medications are allowed.

Question 6

Can a Daycare Charge Extra for Administering Medication?

Accepted Answer

No. A daycare center cannot charge more for providing a service that is covered by the ADA. There are some instances in which a daycare center's insurance is raised due to the medication that is onsite. That amount can be offset by charging more for childcare, but that amount must be spread equally across all families using the service. There is one exception to this rule. If the medication is not covered as part of the ADA and a daycare center does need to hire additional medical staff or purchase specific equipment, that charge can be billed to the family.

Question 7

Are There Certain Disorders That Will Keep a Child From Being Given Medication?

Accepted Answer

No. Children with any disability or disorder covered by the ADA must be permitted to a daycare center. This includes children with learning disabilities and diseases like HIV/AIDS. Those with easily communicable diseases, like seasonal flu or colds, may be sent home until they are well.

Question 8

Must a Daycare Center Keep Epinephrine On-Hand?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many children have allergies. If a child has a known allergy that may lead to anaphylactic shock or severe swelling, they should be trained on how to administer epinephrine. The EpiPen should be provided by the parents with the appropriate paperwork that details how and when to use the medication.

Question 9

Can daycares give Tylenol?

Accepted Answer

Daycares can give over-the-counter medications like Tylenol you'll need to fill out a medication consent form to give the daycare permission to do so.

Question 10

Can daycares give antibiotics?

Accepted Answer

Yes, daycares can give antibiotic medications. You'll need to fill out a medication consent and detail the dosage, frequency, and how the medication needs to be stored.

Question 11

Whose permission is needed to administer medication in a childcare setting?

Accepted Answer

For medicine to be administered the childcare setting will need the okay from the child's pediatrician and permission signed from the child's legal guardian.

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