Child Daycare Provider
According to the Code of Virginia, child care providers who work in licensed and regulated day programs must successfully complete the Board of Nursing approved MAT course prior to giving prescription medication to children in their care. Regulations for licensed child care centers and family day homes go beyond the law and require medication administration training for anyone who administers prescription AND non-prescription medications.
The MAT course is a competency-based course approved by the Board of Nursing (BON) and Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) to train providers who work in child day programs to safely administer medication to children.
About MAT
Medication Administration Training (MAT) Course MAT is a competency-based course and must be taught by an approved MAT Trainer. A written test of 20 questions, a randomized skills demonstration, and a liquid measurement demonstration must be successfully completed before certification can be issued. The MAT class (content and practice) lasts approximately 8 hours. However, since participants are given two opportunities to pass each competency, class time may need to be extended in order to accommodate testing and re-testing.
Options for MAT Training
Providers have two options for completing the MAT course:
1. Classroom-based – providers may choose to complete the MAT course in a classroom setting with an approved MAT Trainer. Providers must attend the entire training and successfully pass the written and skills competencies. Class size for the classroom based MAT course is limited to 8 participants.
2. Independent Study – providers may choose to complete the MAT course by independent study. The MAT Independent Study is comprised of two parts. Part 1 is a self-paced, online review of the MAT course content using MAT course handouts, video segments and independent exercises. Part 2 consists of hands-on practice time and testing with an approved MAT Trainer. Providers must successfully pass the written and skills competencies. Class size for Part 2 of the MAT Independent Study course is limited to 8 participants.
The MAT course certifies providers or staff in child day programs to administer prescription medication in a child care setting using six routes: oral, topical, inhaled, eye, ear and emergency injection of epinephrine using an auto-injector device.
Who Must Attend MAT?
1. Providers or staff members who work in licensed or regulated child day programs and who administer prescription medication must satisfactorily complete the MAT course.
2. Anyone who administers prescription AND non-prescription medication.
3. Individuals who work in private schools accredited by the Virginia Council for Private Education.
MAT Course Requirements: A child care provider or employee of the program must be:
1. at least 18 years old,
2. literate (able to read and write) in English,
3. have current certification in first aid
4. have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Recertification: The MAT certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued. The child care provider or staff member must be recertified before the expiration date to continue to administer medication to children in a child day program.
Let Pumping Hearts, LLC trainers provide training for you and your staff.
