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[Insert Delegate Agency Name]

1.General Procedure

In order for children to receive medications to be administered by their teachers during the school day, the following must occur:

• Medications are to be left in their original containers.
• Medications need to be labeled by a pharmacist.
• The childproof medication container needs to be labeled with the child’s first and last name.
• The name of the medication needs to be on the container.
• The date the prescription was filled needs to be on the labeled container.
• The medication’s expiration date needs to be on the label.
• The medication administration directions need to be on the labeled container.
• The medication storage and disposal directions need to be on the labeled container.

2.Over the Counter Medications:

• Non-prescription medications can be dispensed with a written physician’s order.
• Over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen are used to manage mild to moderate pain. These medications can be administered for pain if the teacher receives a written physician’s order clearly indicating its use, dosage and administration instructions.
• Over the counter fever reducers such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen are used to reduce fevers. We can administer fever reducers to children who have a history of febrile seizures if we have clearly written physician orders including the dosage and when to administer. Children who do not have a history of febrile seizures and who develop a fever greater than 100 F should be sent home.

3.“As Needed” Medication:

• Medications to be administered “as needed” (PRN) should have specific directions for administering, including:

*The minimum time between doses.

* The maximum number of doses.

*The criteria for administration.

4.Medication Storage:

• Medications should be stored in the classroom locked box labeled for medication use only. The locked box should be stored in a place that is not accessible to children. All medications need to be in childproof containers. The medication locked box should only be used to store medications. Medications also need to be in a locked box during trips outside of the Center
• Medications that need to be refrigerated should be stored in a locked refrigerator, designated for medications. Medications that require refrigeration will be packed in an ice chest for out of the Center activities.
• Adult and Volunteer Medications should be stored in a locked and labeled medication box.
• A child’s medication will be sent home when it is no longer needed.

5.Parent Consent and the Medication Log:

• Parents need to sign the medication consent form before any medications can be given.
• Teachers need to complete and sign the staff section of the medication consent form.
• The parent/guardian or designated pick up person needs to sign the medication log when they pick up their child at the end of each day a medication is given.
• The classroom teacher needs to review the medication log with the child’s parent/guardian whenever there is a change in behavior. The teacher should assist the parent with notifying the prescribing physician about any change in behavior.
• Teachers need to review all medication logs with parents at the end of every month. The parent and the teacher need to sign the bottom of the monthly medication log at the end of each month.

6.Medication Consent and Administration Forms:

• Medication consents forms are located in the medication binder in each classroom. Signed medication consent forms are to remain in the classroom binder until the child no longer requires the medication. Medication consent forms for completed medications are to be filed in the Health File of the child’s permanent record.

7.Medication Reactions:

• The parent should give the first dose of any medication at home so that the parent can observe for adverse reactions.
• The parent/guardian must provide information on any adverse reactions that may be associated with the use of the prescription medication as provided by the health care provider or the pharmacist.
• Any time a medication is administered, the staff should watch for allergic reactions, such as swelling around the mouth and face, rashes, and/or difficulty breathing.
• Staff should also observe for changes in the child’s normal behavior pattern. Unusual lethargy, aggressiveness, anxiety and/or agitation should be considered a possible reaction to medication.
• If any reaction to medication is observed after medication administration, parents need to be notified immediately. Parents need to contact the child’s physician and receive guidance as to next steps. If parents can not be reached, the teacher should call the physician directly. If parents need assistance with communicating with the physician, the nurse, FSW or classroom teacher are to assist.
• In the case of serious reaction, like difficulty breathing, the emergency response team (Chicago Fire Department Paramedics) need to be called (911).
• Medication reactions should be documented on an Incident Report form an in the case notes of the “Health” section of the Child’s file.

8.Staff Training:

• Staff members administering medications are trained in medication administration, handling and storage during orientation and annually.

9.Medication Administration:

• The teacher/staff member washes his/her hands prior to administering medications
• The teacher/staff member checks the medication administration form for parent consent and completes the safety checklist on the front of the medication administration form.
• The teacher/staff member checks the 5 rights of medication administration:

Right Medication

Right Dose

Right Time

Right Child

Right Route

See “Administering Medications to Young Children”

10.Medication Monitoring

The health staff will use the “Medication Monitoring Tool”monthly, to ensure compliance with the Medication Procedure. Teachers/staff members will sign a copy of the completed monthly monitoring tool and receive a copy of the document. Teachers/responsible staff members will be responsible for correcting any findings.

Revised 2/2014