Trained First Circle staff can administer prescription and non-prescription medication with written approval from both the child’s healthcare provider and parent. An Authorization for Medication form signed by the parent and an authorization from the child’s healthcare provider must accompany any medication to be administered to a child during the school day. A prescription label is considered written authorization by the healthcare provider. These consents are valid for one year.
Prescription medication must be in the original container with the original prescription label attached and legible.
For a chronic medical condition, the educator must successfully complete training given by the child’s health care practitioner or, with their written consent, given by the child’s parent or First Circle’s health care consultant. The training must specifically address the child’s medical condition, medication, and other treatment needs.
For non-prescription medications, the child’s healthcare provider must provide written and signed instructions including:
type of medication
route of administration
child’s previous experience with the medication
reason(s) for the medication
dosing instructions
indications for when the medication is to be given if prescribed “as needed”
possible side effects to watch for
storage instructions
PRESCRIPTION + NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS
All teachers at First Circle receive training to recognize common side effects and adverse reactions of various medications. We are strictly regulated by both the DPH and EEC regarding medication. Absolutely no exceptions to these policies:
Parents must provide all medication
Form
An Authorization for Medication form must be filled out each time a child needs a new medication. It must be dated and clearly indicate the kind of medication, dosage, and if non-prescription, criteria for administration if specified “as needed.”
Container
All prescription medication must be in the original pharmacy container and include the child’s name, the name of the medication, the dosage, the number of times per day, and the number of days the medication is to be administered.
Labeling
Non-prescription medication must be labeled with the child’s full name, the date that medication was authorized by the child’s healthcare provider, the provider’s name, expiration date, period of use, and instructions on how to administer and store it. Use a plastic bag if necessary to fit all the information.
Storage
Parents must hand all medications directly to the teacher. You must store medications in a locked container or cabinet in the classroom or under locked refrigeration storage (if required), located in the staff room or kitchen.
Directions
Medications must be dispensed following the directions on the original container, unless authorized in writing by the child’s licensed health care practitioner. Medications without clear directions on the container must be administered in accordance with a written physician’s order.
First dose
We cannot administer the first dose of any medication to a child, except under extraordinary circumstances and with parental consent. New medication must be administered at home at least one hour prior to bringing the child to First Circle.
Training
For children with Special Care plans, parents with written permission from their child’s health care provider may train teachers to implement their child’s plan.
Physicians
As specified by the State of Massachusetts, healthcare providers cannot prescribe medication for their own children.
Return
Return any unused, discontinued, or outdated medications to the parents for disposal.
Logs
First Circle maintains logs of the administration of any medication (excluding topical ointments and sprays applied to normal skin), as part of the child’s file.
Recording
Each time a medication is administered, you must document in the child’s record the name, dosage, time, and method of administration, and who administered the medication.
Unanticipated
Any unanticipated administration of medication or treatment for a non-life-threatening condition requires that the teacher must make a reasonable attempt to contact the parent(s) prior to administering the medication or beginning treatment. If the parent(s) cannot be reached in advance, they must be contacted as soon as possible after such medication or treatment is given.
As-needed medications
When a child has a chronic condition requiring routine medication administration or conditions requiring EpiPens, the classroom will receive a Special Care Plan as well as an Authorization for Medication for that child.
Nebulizer policy
For children with respiratory conditions that require a nebulizer, we can administer the nebulizer treatments with the following stipulations:
Parents must complete an Authorization for Medication form stating the dose and times of treatment each day.
A child requiring multiple nebulizer treatments a day must receive the first treatment prior to arrival at First Circle.
The nebulizer medication must be in the original prescription box with dosage clearly stated. The doses must be pre-measured and individually wrapped.
We cannot make the decision about giving children a nebulizer treatment on an “as needed” basis. If we think a child’s breathing needs to be assessed during the day, and the nebulizer has already been administered as indicated on the medication form, you must call the parents and ask them to come in to decide about administering medication an additional time.
For a child who is wheezing or coughing and has an Asthma Action Plan on file, you must call the parent to verbally authorize additional administration of the nebulizer.
Topical medication
Administration of non-prescription topical ointments and sprays such as diaper creams, petroleum jelly, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc., require a signed Topical Medication Authorization form. The signed form is valid for one year and includes a list of topical non-prescription medications.
To apply topical ointments to wounds, rashes (except diaper rash), or broken skin, you must have an Authorization for Medication form signed by the child’s healthcare provider [see DAILY ROUTINES: Playground, Sunscreen and Insect Repellents]