Medication Administration

Training

Overview

The MAT course certifies child care providers to administer medication in a child care setting for seven routes:  oral, topical, inhaled, medicated patches, eye, ear and emergency injection of epinephrine using an auto-injector device.  

MAT Certification

Upon successfully completion of the Mat course, providers will receive a written certificate that indicates completion of the course and the demonstration of competency in the administration of medication in a day care setting.

The MAT certificate:

• is good for three years

• ONLY allows you to administer medication in a child care setting

• is no longer valid if you leave the child care field for a period of more than one year

• will identify the language(s) in which you may receive medication administration instructions and parental permissions

Before You Can Administer Medication

Effective January 31, 2005, child care providers who choose to administer medication to children in a day care setting, with the exception of over-the-counter topical ointments, sunscreen and topically applied insect repellant must have the following before he/she is authorized to administer medication in a day care setting:

• be at least 18 years old

• have current first aid and CPR that covers the ages of the children in the program

• successfully complete the Office of Children and Family Services approved Medication Administration Training (MAT) course *

• have a health care plan that specifically names the child care provider(s) authorized to administer medication and includes the program's policy for administration of medication

• have the health care plan approved by the program's health care consultant
• have the health care plan submitted and approved by the program's licensor or registrar

Who is exempt from training?

Parents, guardians and relatives of a child within the third degree of consanguinity of the parents or step-parents of a child, even if such a person is an employee of the program, are not prevented from administering medication to a child even if the program has chosen not to administer medication or if the staff person designated to administer medication is not present when the child receives the medication.

* Any person who holds a valid New York State license as a physician, physician assistant, registered nurse, nurse practitioner, practical nurse, and advanced emergency medical technician is not required to attend the MAT course.