Medications for use in the child care setting should be packed and clearly labeled for routine or emergency use for the child care provider. You can demonstrate to the child care providers how to use medications given routinely to a child and those used only in emergency situations.

The child care providers should confirm that they are trained in the proper use of devices such as inhalers or nebulizers.

To cut down on confusion on when to use routine or emergency medication, document that medication use through the written special care plan — which should be reviewed and approved by you as a parent — that indicates:

• When to use the medications (such as by symptoms or by time of day).

• How to properly use equipment (such as an inhaler either with or without a spacer).

• What dose of medication is needed for treatment.

• How soon treatment should begin to work.

• What is the expected benefit from the medication.

• What are the possible side effects.

• What are the most recent instructions from your child's health care provider.

Make sure that any changes in medications or dosages are communicated immediately to the child care providers and documented on their special care plan.