Medication Administration Training - MAT

There is a state law regarding administration of medications in child care programs that became effective on January 31, 2005. Child care programs wishing to give medications must:

• Have staff complete and receive certification in the 8-hour Medication Administration Training (MAT).
• Have staff complete CPR and First Aid.
• Each program must also have a Child Care Health Consultant to review and sign off on their health care plan.
• The program’s plan must also be approved by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS).

All of these things need to occur before a child care program can administer medication.

This law applies to New York State regulated family or group family child care providers who operate out of their homes, centers, Head Start, school age programs and informal care settings if the provider accepts government subsidies for care.

All medication falls under this new law with the exception of over the counter topical ointments, sunscreen, and topically applied insect repellent.

Parents will be asked by their child’s program to have a medical provider fill out an OCFS approved medication consent form or an approved equivalent in order to give the child medication. If the child’s program is not approved to give medications, by law, they cannot administer the medication. Therefore, a parent or relative with 3rd degree of consanguinity will be required to give the medication.

If your child is in need of a program that is MAT certified, please call Parent Services to help find the right program for you!

Please call:

Tricia Wtodarczak at 426-7181 ext. 315

Melissa McGuire at 426-7181 ext 335

Also, please contact the Child Care Health Consultants at the Council if you have any questions about this law.

Please call:

Barbara Vickery RN at 426-7181 ext 353

Jean Wiseman RN at 426-7181 ext 354

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

This is a FREE service

Referrals to Child Care Programs are not intended to serve as any type of recommendation. Parents are encouraged to visit several facilities before making a final child care arrangement. It may also be a good idea to ask the child care facility for references and to check them. Only parents can determine whether the quality of care is right for their child.

Any information that is provided to the Capital District Child Care Council is kept confidential and will not be shared with any third party without written permission. The Capital District Child Care Council is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of its consumers.

If you have any comments or concerns about the services you have received from a Parent Educator at the Capital District Child Care Council, please contact the Director of Operations, Lynda Weismantel at 518.426.7181 Ext. 321.

Contact the Capital District Child Care Council with any questions and speak to a Parent Educator by calling 518.426.7181, or emailing Tricia Wtodarczak at triciaw@cdcccc.org.