Regardless of whether they are childhood centres (CPE), day care centres or home childcare services, recognized educational childcare services must comply with the standards set out in the
Educational Childcare Regulation (ECR), particularly concerning the keeping, administration and labelling of medication.
In particular, the ECR prohibits the administration of medication to a child without the written authorization of the parent and a health care professional authorized by law to prescribe the medication. In the case of prescription medication, the information recorded by the pharmacist on the label is proof of the authorization by the health care professional.
The label on the medication container must state the child's name, the name of the medication, the expiry date, the dose and the duration of the treatment. The childcare service provider must designate one or more persons in writing to administer medication to children.
However, the ECR provides for certain exceptions. Saline nasal drops, oral hydration solutions (Pedialyte, Gastrolyte, Lytren, etc.), zinc oxide-based diaper rash cream, calamine lotion, sunscreen cream, moisturizing cream and lip balm may be administered without medical authorization, on condition that the parent has given written authorization.
Acetaminophen (Tempra, Atasol, Tylenol or other house brands) may also be administered and insect repellent may be applied to a child without medical authorization, on condition the administration complies with the protocols set out in the ECR and these protocols are signed by the parent.
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