Child Care Provider: Asthma Management in Early Child Care

Child care providers can reduce children’s exposure to asthma triggers and prevent asthma attacks. Child care providers must be able to recognize early warning signs of an asthma attack.

The following actions are steps child care providers can take to be sure children with asthma are in a safe and healthy atmosphere.

General Education

• Identify children with asthma.

• Require a copy of the physician’s prescribed Asthma Action Plan from the families of each child with asthma at initial registration and each subsequent school year. The Asthma Action Plan should include the child’s asthma triggers, medication, emergency contact information and procedures to follow in the event of an asthma attack.

• When attending field trips, remember to bring Asthma Action Plans and medications for each child with asthma.

• Record any complaints of asthma symptoms in the child's health record. Describe the symptoms, the child’s behaviors, medicine given, and what caused the attack, if known. Report any observed asthma symptoms to parents on the same day symptoms occurred.

• Talk to all children about asthma. Explain the use of medications and any special needs, especially when treatments are given in front of other children. This can be used as a learning experience.

Sanitation and Strong Odor Control

• Teachers and children should wash hands frequently to reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses.

• Clean spills right away. Be sure wet carpet is dry within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold.

• Keep the teacher’s lounge and other eating areas clean to prevent pests.

• Do not bring cleaning products, air fresheners, candles, pesticides or furniture from home.

• Do not use perfume or cologne.

• Keep chalk dust to a minimum.

• Use non-toxic art supplies or choose products with the lowest VOC (volatile organic compound) content available.

• Reduce clutter and unnecessary items in the classroom/playroom. Unused items collect dust and make a good home for pests.

Animals

• Do not have animals with dander (fur or feathers) in the classroom. Consider a pet without dander such as a turtle, fish or snake.

• If animal(s) must be present, keep them in cages at all times. Clean cages daily.

• Locate animal cages away from ventilation air vents.

• Issue a Pet Notice to all families when there is an animal in the classroom.

• Wash hands after handling, feeding, or cleaning the animal’s cage.

Pest Control

• Report signs of pests to the appropriate personnel. Note on a Pest Sighting Log.

• Sticky baits and monitor boxes aid in detecting pests.

• Reduce clutter in the classroom.

• Use plastic tubs for storage instead of cardboard boxes.

• Do not bring in pesticide products from home.

• Store all food items in tightly sealed containers, including pet food.

Ventilation and Mold Control

• Report water damage, condensation and moisture problems to the appropriate personnel.

• Keep heating/cooling units on during times when children are present. Keep dampers open to allow enough airflow into the classroom.

• Do not block vents by storing books, boxes and other items on or in front of air vents.

• Limit plants. Do not over water plants. Do not allow standing water in base of pots.