Even with the best of care, emergencies can arise. But you and your child's caregivers — together with health care professionals — can work together as a team to handle those situations effectively and efficiently in the child care setting.

You have a role in obtaining the necessary medications and medical devices and ensuring they are in the hands of the child care provider when needed (not at home or in the car) and that they can be properly used during any emergency episodes. You also should immediately apprise the caregiver, for instance, of any changes in medication or symptoms.

Likewise, child care providers should remind you to refill medications when necessary. They also can serve as an early warning system if they notice various symptoms that point to a possibly more serious condition.

While asthma can be a serious condition, it can be controlled in a large, medium, or single-provider child care situation with good communication, coordination, confidence, and, of course, cooperation.