Daycare Medication Policies: What Parents Need to Know 2026

When your child needs medication during childcare hours, understanding your center's medication policies becomes essential. Rules vary by state and provider, but knowing what to expect helps you ensure your child gets proper care.

Medication at daycare

Why Medication Policies Exist

Safety Concerns

Policies protect against:

Incorrect dosages
Wrong medication given
Medication mix-ups
Allergic reactions
Liability issues
Legal requirements

State Regulations

Requirements often include:

Written authorization
Proper labeling
Staff training
Documentation
Storage requirements
Administration procedures

Types of Medication Policies

Prescription Medications

Generally accepted with:

Original pharmacy container
Child's name on label
Dosage instructions
Doctor's name
Expiration date valid
Written parent authorization

Common types:

Antibiotics
Chronic condition medications
Rescue medications (EpiPens, inhalers)
Post-procedure medications

Over-the-Counter Medications

Policies vary greatly:

Some don't administer any OTC
Some require doctor's note
Some allow specific products
Some allow with parent permission

Types often restricted:

Fever reducers
Pain relievers
Cough medicine
Allergy medication
Teething remedies
Sunscreen and bug spray

Topical Products

May have separate rules:

Diaper cream
Sunscreen
Bug repellent
Lotions
Ointments

Common requirements:

Original container
Written permission
Some provide their own

Understanding Your Center's Policy

Questions to Ask

Before enrolling:

Do you administer medications?
What's required for prescriptions?
What's the OTC policy?
What forms are needed?
Who administers medication?
How is it documented?

Policy Variations

| Policy Type | Common Requirements | |-------------|---------------------| | Prescriptions | Original container, parent auth, dosage form | | OTC medications | May need doctor's note | | Chronic conditions | Action plan, training required | | Emergency meds | Standing orders, specific training | | Topical products | Varies widely |

Required Documentation

Standard Forms

Typically needed:

Medication authorization form
Doctor's orders (sometimes)
Administration log
Emergency contact update
Health history update

What Forms Include

Authorization details:

Child's name
Medication name
Dosage amount
Administration time(s)
Duration of treatment
Potential side effects
Parent signature
Date

Keeping Forms Current

Update when:

Medication changes
Dosage changes
Treatment ends
New medications start
Annually for chronic conditions

Chronic Condition Management

Common Conditions

May require special plans:

Asthma
Severe allergies
Diabetes
Seizure disorders
ADHD
Other chronic conditions

Action Plans

What's needed:

Written plan from doctor
Emergency procedures
Medication details
Trigger identification
Staff training
Emergency contacts

EpiPens and Rescue Medications

Special requirements:

Current prescription
Proper storage
Staff training
Emergency protocol
Regular expiration checks
Multiple doses sometimes

Administering Medication

Who Can Give Medication

Typically:

Director or designated staff
Staff with specific training
Sometimes only certain staff
Documentation required

Administration Procedures

Standard process:

Verify medication matches authorization
Check child's name
Confirm dosage and time
Administer medication
Document immediately
Note any reactions

Documentation

Log typically includes:

Date and time
Medication name
Dosage given
Staff signature
Child's response
Any concerns

If Center Won't Administer

Common Limitations

Many centers won't give:

Any OTC medications
Medications without doctor's note
PRN (as needed) medications
First doses of new medications
Controlled substances (varies)

Solutions

When medication needed:

Give before/after childcare
Ask doctor about timing changes
Request long-acting versions
Parent comes to administer
Different childcare arrangement

Understanding Their Position

Why restrictions exist:

Liability concerns
State regulations
Safety protocols
Staff limitations
Insurance requirements

Working with Your Center

Communication

Keep them informed about:

New medications
Dosage changes
Ending treatments
Side effects to watch
How to contact you

Building Trust

Partner by:

Following procedures
Providing complete information
Responding promptly
Appreciating their efforts
Understanding challenges

Special Situations

When Child Gets Sick at Daycare

Options:

Center calls you
You pick up and administer
Limited administration if allowed
Follow illness policy

Allergic Reactions

Ensure:

Allergy action plan on file
EpiPen if prescribed
Staff trained
Emergency procedures clear
Regular reviews

New Medications

Best practice:

Give first dose at home
Watch for reactions
Inform center of new med
Provide documentation
Monitor initially

Key Takeaways

Know the policy:

Before enrolling
For all medication types
Required documentation
Who administers
How it's tracked

Be prepared:

Original containers always
Proper labeling
Current authorizations
Updated forms
Emergency plans for conditions

Communicate well:

Keep center informed
Provide complete information
Update when things change
Respond promptly
Partner together

Understand limitations:

Centers have restrictions
Liability is real concern
Work with their policies
Find solutions together
Alternative timing when possible

For chronic conditions:

Action plans essential
Training important
Emergency procedures clear
Regular reviews needed
Strong partnership critical

Understanding medication policies protects your child and helps ensure they receive proper care during childcare hours.

Related guides you may find helpful: