Medicine at Daycare in Illinois: What the Rules Say

Updated November 2026.

In Illinois, a licensed daycare center can give your child medicine only with your written permission, in the original container, following the label or a doctor's directions. Prescription medicine also needs a physician's direction. Even sunscreen, diaper cream and bug spray need your written approval before staff can use them.

These rules come from the Illinois licensing standards for day care centers, 23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.360 (formerly 89 Ill. Adm. Code 407.360). Here is what they mean for parents.

What Illinois rules require

• A written policy. Every center must have a written medication policy. Ask for a copy.
• Original container only. Prescription and over-the-counter medicine must come in its original container.
• Labels. Prescription medicine needs the full pharmacy label. Over-the-counter medicine must have your child's first and last name on it, and the medicine's name and directions must still be readable.
• Prescription medicine is given only with a physician's direction and your current written release on file, and only to the child named on the label.
• Over-the-counter medicine is given following the manufacturer's directions, with your written permission.
• A designated staff member gives and records medicine each day. The record includes the date, time, dose and who gave it.
• Locked, safe storage out of children's reach, including medicine that needs refrigeration.
• No expired medicine.
• Leftovers go home. When your child no longer needs a medicine, the center returns what is left, or the empty bottle, to you.

Sunscreen, diaper cream and bug spray

Topical products such as diaper ointment, sunscreen and insect repellent count too. Illinois rules require a parent's written approval before staff use them on your child, whether you bring the product or the center supplies it. Most centers handle this with a form at enrollment and again when you bring a new product.

How to make medicine at daycare go smoothly

• Ask your pediatrician about timing. Some medicines can be scheduled for morning and evening, so your child does not need a dose during the daycare day.
• Ask the pharmacy for a second labeled bottle if your child needs the same prescription at home and at daycare.
• Fill out the center's form completely, with the medicine name, dose, times and start and end dates.
• Hand medicine to a staff member. Do not leave it in a diaper bag or backpack.
• Check the expiration date on medicine that stays at daycare, such as an inhaler or epinephrine.
• Pick up leftovers when the course is done.

Fever reducers and illness rules

Giving a fever reducer before drop-off can hide a fever for a few hours, but it does not change your child's illness. Illinois centers must screen children for signs of illness every day and follow exclusion rules. If your child has a fever or another symptom on the exclusion list, they may need to stay home. Ask your center's policy on fever reducers, and read our guide to daycare fever rules.

Allergies, asthma and emergency medicine

Children with food allergies, asthma or other ongoing conditions usually need a written care plan from their doctor, plus emergency medicine such as epinephrine or an inhaler kept at the center. Work with your doctor and the center director before your child's first day. See our guide to peanut-free daycare and allergy plans.

Frequently asked questions

Can daycare give my child acetaminophen in Illinois?

Only with your written permission, in the original container labeled with your child's name, and following the manufacturer's directions. Some centers have stricter policies, so ask.

Does daycare need a doctor's note to give medicine?

For prescription medicine, Illinois rules require a physician's direction, which is usually the pharmacy label. Over-the-counter medicine needs your written permission and is given per the label.

Do I need to sign a form for sunscreen at daycare?

Yes. Illinois rules require a parent's written approval before staff use sunscreen, diaper ointment or insect repellent on a child.

Can I leave medicine in my child's backpack?

No. Medicine must be stored locked and out of children's reach, so hand it to a staff member.

Health and safety at Children's Land

Children's Land staff are CPR and First-Aid certified. If a child becomes sick during the day, the director calls the designated adult from the Emergency Information Form, and the child rests away from the group until pickup. Ask your location for its medication forms and policy. Learn more about our infant program, find a location, or contact us.

Related reading: Daycare Fever Rules: When Your Child Has to Stay Home.