Medication at childcare: your child has asthma, an allergy, or is dealing with a long-term illness and needs daily medication. Can the childcare provider simply give it, or do you have to drop by yourself every day? The rules are stricter than you might think, and not every location is allowed to just administer an injection or tablet.
Which medications can a daycare center administer and which cannot?
The Childcare Quality Act (Wet IKK) sets clear frameworks for medication at childcare, but leaves room for each organization's own policy. This means that one daycare center will administer an inhaler, while another will refuse on principle. There is no legal right to medication administration; the childcare provider may always refuse if they consider the safety risk too high or lack sufficiently qualified staff.
Daily use: asthma, allergies, and other chronic conditions
If your child needs medication on an ongoing basis, such as an inhaler for asthma or an adrenaline pen for a severe allergy, it's important to discuss this early. Most daycare centers accept this type of medication, provided there is a clear protocol in place. Ask about the experience of the childcare staff: have they worked with an inhaler or EpiPen before? Is there always someone present who is trained in administering it? Some locations require you to leave a second set of medication, so there is never an unexpected shortage. Also establish what happens in an emergency: who calls 112, who contacts you, and who stays with your child until the ambulance arrives?
Occasional use: fever, pain, and antibiotics
Paracetamol for fever or pain is a gray area. Many childcare locations prefer not to give this, as fever is often a symptom of something contagious and your child is better off staying home according to the sickness policy. Antibiotics are generally only administered if it is a course that cannot wait until home time, for example with an ear infection where your child is still allowed to attend childcare. Cough or cold syrup is more often refused, as the effect is limited and the risk of incorrect dosage is real. Always ask for the policy in writing, so you won't be caught off guard when your child has a fever at night and you want to bring them to childcare the next morning.
Why does the childcare provider need written permission for medication?
A verbal agreement is legally insufficient. The childcare provider must be able to demonstrate that you as a parent have consented to the medication, the dosage, and the timing. This applies even to simple sunscreen or allergy medication. The consent form typically includes the name of the medication, the dosage, the time, any side effects, and the signature of both parents or guardians. Some organizations use an annual declaration for chronic medication, while others require new permission for each course. Keep a copy yourself, so you can always refer back to what was agreed. Without this form, staff are officially not allowed to administer any medication, even if you are standing right there waiting.
How do you discuss the medication policy during your child's intake?
The intake is the moment to get clear on the medication policy, not when your child is already placed and the first asthma attack occurs. Ask concrete questions: is my child allowed to use their inhaler here? Who is the fixed contact person for medication questions? Is there a refrigerator for medication that needs to be kept cold? How is medication stored so other children cannot reach it? Also ask about staff training. Everyone in the group should at least know where the medication is kept and how it works, even if the regular caregiver is sick. If your child has a serious condition, consider drawing up a care plan in collaboration with the childcare provider and possibly your GP. This document establishes who does what in which situation, and prevents panic if something goes wrong.
What are my rights as a parent if the childcare provider refuses medication?
The childcare provider may refuse medication, but must communicate this clearly. If your child needs medication to safely participate in the daily program, and the childcare provider cannot or will not provide this, then there is an inadequate provision. You can then approach the municipality for a suitable place, for example at a specialized childcare provider or with additional ambulatory support. In practice, it often comes down to you having to arrange for the medication to be administered yourself, for example by stopping by during your lunch break or engaging a childminder/host parent (gastouder) who is willing. Always document your communication with the childcare provider, in case you later need to demonstrate that you tried to find a solution.
Getting started
Medication at childcare begins and ends with a good conversation. Ask explicitly about the policy at every tour, even if your child is not currently on medication. Situations change, and you don't want to be searching for a new place if asthma or an allergy emerges. On kiddie.nl you compare childcare locations based on Municipal Health Service (GGD) inspection reports, which also cover safety and care. This way you find a place that suits your child's needs, now and in the future.