Childcare Licensing Glossary
Medication Administration (MAT)
The process and documentation requirements for giving a child prescription or over-the-counter medication while in childcare.
Last updated: June 2026
Compiled by the TotReady Research TeamDefinition
Childcare programs must have a written policy for administering medication to children in care. Most states require a signed, written authorization from the parent or guardian before any medication — including over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen — can be given. The authorization must specify the medication name, dose, and schedule. Staff who administer medication must be trained (many states require a specific medication administration training, often called MAT), and each administration must be documented in a medication log with the date, time, dose, and name of the staff member who gave it. Some states prohibit aides from administering medication; others require medication to be kept locked. Original containers with pharmacy labels are generally required.
Related terms
Parent Handbook
A written document that childcare programs are required to give families at enrollment, covering program policies, rules, and state-required disclosures.
Illness Exclusion
The symptoms or conditions that require a child to be kept out of (or sent home from) childcare until they are no longer contagious.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Medication Administration (MAT) in childcare licensing?
- The process and documentation requirements for giving a child prescription or over-the-counter medication while in childcare.
- Does Medication Administration (MAT) vary by state?
- The general definition is consistent, but the specific requirements attached to Medication Administration (MAT) can differ by state. Always confirm current rules with your state's childcare licensing office.
- Where can I find the Medication Administration (MAT) rules for my state?
- Your state's childcare licensing agency publishes the current rules in its administrative code or licensing regulations. TotReady's state pages at /states cover key licensing topics by state, and the /data section has cited 50-state tables for ratios, training hours, capacity limits, fees, and exemption thresholds.