Asthma Daycare Checklist

An asthma daycare checklist can help you make sure that your child with asthma is receiving the proper support and guidance needed to keep his or her asthma under control while still participating in activities. Use the asthma daycare checklist below to measure how well your childcare setting meets your child's needs.

 

Asthma Daycare Checklist

Children with asthma need proper support in childcare settings to keep their asthma under control and be fully active. Use the following checklist to find out how well your childcare setting assists children with asthma:
 
Yes
No
1.
Is the childcare setting free of tobacco smoke at all times?
Yes
No
2.
Is there good ventilation in the childcare setting?  Are allergens and irritants that can make asthma worse reduced or eliminated?  Check if any of the following are present:
 
 
 
Cockroaches
 
 
 
Dust mites (commonly found in humid climates in pillows, carpets, upholstery, and stuffed toys)
 
 
 
Mold
 
 
 
Pets with fur or feathers
 
 
 
Strong odors or fumes from arts and craft supplies, pesticides, paint, perfumes, air fresheners, and cleaning chemicals
Yes
No
3.
Is there a medical or nursing consultant available to help childcare staff write policies and guidelines for managing medications in the childcare setting, reducing allergens and irritants, promoting safe physical activities, and planning field trips for students with asthma?
Yes
No
4.
Are childcare staff prepared to give medications as prescribed by each child's physician and authorized by each child's parent?  May children carry their own asthma medicines when appropriate?  Is there someone available to supervise children while taking asthma medicines and monitor correct inhaler use?
Yes
No
5.
Is there a written, individualized emergency plan for each child in case of a severe asthma episode (attack)?  Does the plan make clear what action to take?  Whom to call?  When to call?
Yes
No
6.
Does a nurse, respiratory therapist, or other knowledgeable person teach childcare staff about asthma, asthma management plans, reducing allergens and irritants, and asthma medicines?  Does someone teach all the children about asthma and how to help a classmate who has it?
Yes
No
7.
Does the childcare provider help children with asthma participate safely in physical activities?  For example, are children encouraged to be active?  Can children take or be given their medicine before exercise?  Are modified or alternative activities available when medically necessary?

 

If the answer to any question is "no," or if allergens and irritants are present, children in your childcare setting may be facing obstacles in controlling their asthma. Uncontrolled asthma can hinder a child's attendance, participation, and progress in school. Childcare staff, health professionals, and parents can work together to remove obstacles and promote children's health and development.
 
Contact organizations such as the Allergy and Asthma Network or Allies Against Asthma for information about asthma and for helpful ideas in making school policies and practices more asthma-friendly. Federal and state laws also are in place to help children with asthma.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD