Asthma and Allergy Essentials
for Child Care Providers©
 

ATTENTION CHILDCARE CENTERS

CONSIDER SCHEDULING A CLASS AT YOUR CENTER FOR YOUR TEACHERS AT YOUR CONVENIENCE. START PLANNING NOW FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS AND THE UPCOMING SCHOOL YEAR. CALL AAFA ALASKA AT (907)696-4810 FOR ASSISTANCE. Trainers are available statewide.

This course will give child care providers the tools and knowledge they need to care for children with asthma and allergies and provide a safe and healthy environment for children with these chronic conditions.  Asthma and allergies are manageable diseases with preparation and education.

During this interactive course, a trained health professional teaches providers:

	how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an asthma or allergy episode
	how to institute environmental control measures to prevent these episodes
	appropriate use of medications and the tools for asthma management such as inhalers and peak flow meters to keep these diseases under control

Educational contact hours may be available for child care providers depending on state regulations.

Participants will learn about:

	asthma
	symptoms and precipitating factors (triggers) of asthma
	warning signs of an asthma episode
	allergy
	common types of allergies
	symptoms of anaphylaxis
	tools for managing asthma and allergies
	using asthma/allergy action plans
	decision making for children with asthma and allergies
	asthma and allergy resources

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

	list the warning signs of an asthma episode
	identify sources of allergens and environmental irritants in the child care setting
	list at least on change that they can make in their child care environment for each major precipitating factor (trigger)
	explain the use of quick- relief and long term control medications
	use an asthma/allergy action plan
	list emergency procedures for an asthma episode and anaphylaxis

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance and a folder containing:

	a copy of the program's slide presentation for note taking
	an environmental checklist
	a reproducible Child Care Asthma/Allergy Action Card
	a reproducible Asthma/Allergy Communication form
	a vocabulary list of frequently used asthma and allergy terms
	numerous reproducible asthma and allergy information sheets
	resource materials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Who should attend this program?
The Asthma and Allergy Essentials for Child Care Providers© program has been expressly designed for staff in:

	child care centers
	family or home child care settings
	Head Start programs
	preschools
	nursery schools

...or any other professional who educates and cares for young children with asthma and allergies.

For a calendar of classes and to see when the next Essentials class is scheduled in
your area. Visit: Child Care Connection

The Asthma and Allergy Essentials for Child Care Providers© program was developed in 1994 by the Maryland-Greater Washington D.C. Chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.  The program reflects the most current standards from the 2002 Update to the Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma.

This program is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Indoor Environments Division and an educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc.