Asthma at Daycare: Action Plans, Inhalers and Triggers

Updated November 2026.

Children with asthma can go to daycare safely with three things in place: a written asthma action plan from your child's doctor, quick-relief medicine and a spacer kept at the center with your written permission, and teachers who know your child's triggers and warning signs.

Here is how to set it up and what Illinois licensing rules say about medicine at daycare.

Start with an asthma action plan

An asthma action plan is a written plan from your child's doctor. Most plans use green, yellow and red zones, like a traffic light. They list:

• Your child's daily medicines, if any
• Early warning signs and what to do
• When and how to give quick-relief medicine
• Signs of an emergency and when to call 911
• Your child's known triggers
• Emergency contacts and the doctor's phone number

Give a copy to the director and your child's teachers. Ask the doctor to update the plan at least once a year and whenever medicines change.

Inhalers, spacers and Illinois medicine rules

Young children usually take inhaled medicine through a spacer, often with a small mask for babies and toddlers. Send the inhaler and spacer your child uses at home, and ask the doctor whether a second set for daycare makes sense.

Under Illinois licensing rules for day care centers (23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.360):

• Medicine must come in its original container, and prescriptions need the full pharmacy label.
• The center must have your written permission on file and keep it current.
• A designated staff member gives medicine each day and records the date, time, dose and who gave it.
• Medicine is stored out of children's reach in a locked or inaccessible container.
• Expired medicine cannot be used, so check the date on the inhaler.

See our guide to medicine at daycare in Illinois.

Common asthma triggers at daycare

• Colds and other respiratory infections, one of the most common triggers in young children
• Cold air and sudden weather changes
• Running and active play
• Smoke and air pollution
• Dust, mold and pollen
• Animals, such as a classroom pet
• Strong smells, such as some cleaning products

Most children with asthma can and should play actively. Ask how teachers handle outdoor play on very cold or high-pollen days.

Warning signs teachers should know

Make sure teachers know what your child's early signs look like. Common signs include coughing, wheezing, fast breathing and tiredness or crankiness. Teachers should follow the action plan, and treat trouble breathing as an emergency by following the red zone and calling 911.

Colds, flu and asthma

Because colds can set off asthma, a runny nose may need more attention. Ask your doctor what to watch for. See our guide to runny nose and cough at daycare. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends a flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. See our guide to flu and daycare.

A checklist for parents

• Bring a current asthma action plan signed by your doctor
• Complete the center's medicine permission form
• Send medicine in the original box with the pharmacy label, plus the spacer and mask
• Show teachers how your child uses the spacer
• Share triggers, including pets or smells
• Check expiration dates and replace medicine before it runs out
• Ask to be told every time medicine is given

Frequently asked questions

Can a daycare give my child an inhaler?

Yes, licensed centers can give medicine with your written permission, following Illinois rules and your child's plan.

Should I send my child to daycare after an asthma flare?

Ask your doctor. Your child should be breathing comfortably and able to take part in the day.

Do I need a spacer at daycare?

Most young children use a spacer, often with a mask. Follow your doctor's instructions and send the same type your child uses at home.

Can my child with asthma play outside?

Usually yes. Active play is good for children with asthma. Share any limits from your doctor.

Health and safety at Children's Land

At Children's Land, if a child becomes sick, the director calls the designated adult on the Emergency Information Form, and the child rests away from the group until pickup. All staff are CPR and First-Aid certified. Ask your location about its medicine forms. Learn about our toddler program, find a location, or contact us.

Related reading: Medicine at Daycare in Illinois: What the Rules Say.