Our Health Services Department is staffed with two Registered Nurses who have specialized knowledge in regulations and other issues related to out of home child care. We provide free technical assistance to all potential and existing child care providers on health related topics.
Health Care Consultant Services
In addition to free technical assistance, we also offer, for a small fee, the services of our Registered Nurses to act as your child care program’s Health Care Consultant of Record. As your program’s Health Care Consultants, we will:
- Assist child care providers with completing a Health Care Plan
- Review the child care program’s health policies and procedures
- Conduct a site visit of the child care program
- Review the Health Care Plan and sign as the Health Care Consultant of Record
- Consult regarding health, safety, infection control, and communicable diseases
- Provide information on working with children with special health care needs
- Assist parents and providers in obtaining needed health services
Health Care Consultant agreements are for two year periods and are available to Family and Group Family Child Care Programs, as well as Child Care Centers and School Age Child Care Programs.
Health Care Plan
Licensed and registered child care programs must have a Health Care Plan that addresses the health maintenance, infection control, and medication administration policies of the program. Programs that choose to administer medication to children must have a Health Care Consultant of record approve this Health Care Plan. Legally Exempt child care providers who choose to administer medication to children receiving subsidy must also have a Health Care Plan and Health Care Consultant.
Our nurses teach Health Classes, including Medication Administration Training and various other classes on specific health conditions, such as:
- Asthma
- Severe Allergies
- Psychological Disorders
(ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Depression) - Diabetes (Types 1 & 2)
- Obesity
Medication Administration Training (MAT)
Child Care Council Inc. offers the approved New York State Medication Administration Training (MAT) for Family, Group Family Child Care Providers, and Child Care Centers who have decided to administer medications that is required to meet the new Regulations for administering medication to children in out of home child care. (Medication is defined as all over-the-counter and prescription medications other than over-the-counter topical preparations such as sunscreen, bug repellent, and diaper cream.)
This training includes a course manual, video, and hands-on demonstrations followed by competency testing. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and literate in the language in which the health care provider instructions and parental consents are received.
Grant applications are available to off-set the cost of training. Applications are available at Child Care Council Inc. offices, on-line, or by calling 1-800-295-9616.
MAT classes are offered at a variety of times and dates to meet most schedules and needs. Classes can also be scheduled for groups of 4-8 child care providers at Child Care Council offices or at your program (subject to Child Care Council membership and some restrictions). Please call for information on class registration 585-654-4720. Please click here for current class dates.
MAT Independent Study
Providers may prepare for MAT on their own time and then come to Child Care Council offices to practice and take competency tests with a certified MAT Trainer. Participants will go to www.matstudy.com to download handouts and video to prepare for the MAT competency tests. Then participants will schedule a 2.5 to 3 hour session with a certified MAT Trainer.
To obtain a license from OCFS approving a child care program to give medications other than over-the-counter topical lotions or creams, the child care programs must have the following:
- MAT certified staff
- CPR certification for the ages of children in care
- First Aid certification
- A Health Care Plan signed by a Health Care Consultant
MAT Renewal
MAT certification is good for three years from the date training was completed provided the MAT trained individual does not leave the child care field for more than a year. If a child care provider is eligible to renew MAT, they will receive a letter from SUNY Training Strategies Group approximately 6 months before their MAT certificate is due to expire. Please call SUNY MAT program at 1-866-665-5537 for assistance if you have not received this letter and believe you should have.
