Medication Administration Training

Medication Administration Training (MAT)


Child Care Council offers health and safety training for childcare providers through the approved New York State Medication Administration Training (MAT) tailored for Family, Group Family Child Care Providers, and Child Care Centers. This training equips providers who choose to administer medications with the necessary knowledge and skills to comply with regulations governing medication administration in out-of-home child care settings. (Medication encompasses all over-the-counter and prescription medications, excluding topical preparations like sunscreen, bug repellent, and diaper cream.)

Our comprehensive MAT training program includes a course manual, video tutorials, and hands-on demonstrations, culminating in competency testing. Participants must be at least 18 years old and proficient in the language of health care provider instructions and parental consents.

MAT classes are available in a classroom format, offered at various times and dates to accommodate diverse schedules. For details on class registration, please contact us at (585) 654-4720.

For more information on the MAT program, visit PDP – What is Medication Administration Training (MAT).

MAT Independent Study

Providers have the option to prepare for Part 1 of the MAT Independent Study (MAT IS) at their own pace. Subsequently, they attend Part 2 of the MAT IS at Child Care Council offices for hands-on practice and competency testing under the guidance of a certified MAT Trainer. Participants in the MAT IS must download current materials, complete Part 1 on their own, and attend Part 2 at Child Care Council offices by registering for a class. MAT trainers will verify preparation from Part 1 at the beginning of class, and unprepared participants will be asked to leave and reschedule for a different class.

MAT Renewal

MAT certification remains valid for three years from the completion date of the training. Approximately three months before the MAT certificate expiration, participants receive a letter with a user ID and password to access the Online MAT Certification Renewal Test. For assistance or if the renewal letter is not received, please contact SUNY/PDP MAT Program at 1-800-295-9616.

Providers who have renewed their MAT certification twice consecutively online must undergo MAT Skills Competency Testing with a certified MAT Trainer, in addition to the Online MAT Certification Renewal Test. Child Care Council facilitates MAT skills competency testing on-site at our main office.

Elijah’s Law

Child care professionals play a crucial role in safeguarding the health and safety of the children under their care, including being vigilant about allergies. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 13 children is affected by allergies, and these allergies have the potential to trigger life-threatening situations. Anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction, requires immediate treatment. By educating themselves about allergies and taking steps to prevent anaphylaxis, child care providers can make a profound difference and save lives.

Tragically, the story of 3-year-old Elijah Silvera from New York City serves as a stark reminder of the importance of allergy awareness. In November 2017, despite Elijah having a known severe dairy allergy, he was given a grilled cheese sandwich while at child care, leading to a severe anaphylactic reaction that ultimately claimed his life.

New York State enacted Elijah’s Law in 2019, which mandates all child care facilities to follow state food allergy guidelines to effectively prevent, recognize, and respond to life-threatening anaphylactic reactions.