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Medication Administration Training (MAT)

There is a state law regarding the administration of medication in child care programs that became effective on January 31, 2005.  Child care programs that want to administer 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 approve   their health care plan.
  • The program’s plan must also be approved by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). 

All of the above needs to be completed before a child care program can administer medication.

The type of medication a program may administer is stated on the program’s license or registration.  A program’s license or registration must be posted or readily available to parents.

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

All medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, fall under this 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 complete 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 nor have it on site.  Therefore a parent or relative with 3rd degree of consanguinity will be required to give the medication. 

FAMILIES If your child is in need of a program that is MAT certified, contact the Delaware Opportunities CCR&R program.

CHILD CARE PROVIDERS If you are a child care provider and would like more information about MAT, are looking for an approved trainer and/or information about available funding to pay for the  MAT training visit www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu  or call toll- free 800-295-9616 or contact the Delaware Opportunities CCR&R program.

We may be contacted at
607-746-1620 or 877-746-2279
e-mail: Daycare@delop.org

Or come to our office at

Delaware Opportunities Inc
35430 State Highway 10
Hamden, NY 13782
Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:00AM -4:00PM