March 24, 2008
School and Daycare
Question from Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, USA:
My five-year-old son is attending school now. His father and I both have jobs and I am working at the childcare facility that my son attends. He is at school most of the time while I am there. Over the summer, though, they go on a lot of day trips and go to the playground and swimming, but I will not be going with him. They do not yet have anyone who is going to take the school agers full time and I am quite concerned because whoever does may or may not be comfortable giving him injections. What exactly are the regulations for daycare facilities with respect to kids with diabetes? I know that they are not forced to give insulin, but do have to check sugars. My son needs more than that.
Also, are there any childcare facilities in my area (there are no Kindercares in my area) that are equipped to handle a diabetic? Also, are there any financial assistance programs for diabetics in my state (Pennsylvania) if I would be forced to stay at home with him over the summer? I have asked these questions to Department of Public Welfare and also the assistance office in my area, but just keep getting the run around so I would really appreciate some answers.
Answer:
Please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES for information, assistance, and/or to speak with ADA’s legal advocacy staff.
Daycare providers are places of public accommodations and must meet certain legal obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act if the requested accommodation does not pose and undue burden or fundamentally alter the nature of the provider’s business. In addition, each state has a licensing regulations and these should address medication administration. Has the provider actually indicated that it is unwilling to provide care? If so, what is the basis for its objection?
We are not familiar with specific facilities in your area.
CJ
