Know the legal requirements in place to protect children and staff that have asthma or other special needs. Consult child care license requirements and state laws on the administration, and student self-administration, of asthma medications.
Provide staff training on asthma so they can recognize asthma symptoms and follow policies and procedures for administering medications and responding to emergencies.
Get an updated written asthma action plan for each child from the family and health care provider, with information on the child’s medications, triggers, and other concerns.
Provide good indoor air quality. Prevent unhealthy exposure to allergens, including dust mites, pests (rats, mice, cockroaches), classroom pets, molds, bacteria, and pollen, and to irritants, such as chemical fumes, tobacco smoke, ozone (outdoors), and pesticides. Use integrated pest management. Ban smoking. Stop nearby bus and car idling.
Provide opportunities for safe, enjoyable physical activity. Encourage full participation in physical activities when child is