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The Medication Administration Training (MAT)

The Medication Administration Training (MAT) is a course for all child care providers in New York State who administer medication, other than over-the-counter topical ointments, sunscreen and topically applied insect repellent. Follow the links below for more information.

General MAT Information and Rules

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The MAT (Medication Administration Training) is:

  • A specialized course that must be taken with a SUNY-certified instructor
  • A skill-based course
    • Participants must pass written quizzes and demonstrate skills to complete the course
    • Upon successful completion, providers receive eight hours of training credit
    • Includes video training and hands on demostrations
  • A new State rule that went into effect January 31, 2005

The MAT certificate:

  • Is good for 3 years
  • Only allows you to administer medication in a child care setting
  • Is no longer valid if you leave the child care field for a period of more than 1 year

To give medication all childcare providers must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have current first aid and CPR that covers the ages of the children in the program
  • Successfully complete the approved Medication Administration Training (MAT) course
  • Have your name on list of the child care provider(s) allowed to give medication as part of your program’s health care plan that includes the program's policy for administration of medication
  • Have the health care plan approved by the program’s health care consultant
  • Have the health care plan submitted and approved by the program's licensor or registrar
  • Have a license/registration indicating the program’s approval to administer medication

Who does not have to take MAT training?

  • Any person who will NOT administer medication or will only administer over-the-counter topical ointments, sunscreen and topically applied insect repellent
  • Relatives including the parent, step-parent, guardian or relative within the third degree of consanguinity of the parents or step-parents of such child. A relative within the third degree of consanguinity of the parent or step-parent includes: the grandparents of the child; the great-grandparents of the child; the great-great-grandparents of the child; the aunts and uncles of the child, including the spouses of the aunts and uncles; the great-aunts and great uncles of the child, including the spouses of the great-aunts and great-uncles; the siblings of the child; and the first cousins of the child, including the spouses of the first cousins.- (this is directly from the OCFS day care regulations)
  • Any person who holds a valid NYS license as a physician, physician assistant, registered nurse, licensed nurse practitioner, practical nurse, or advanced emergency medical technician.

Learn more by downloading the SUNY Training Strategies Group MAT Brochure Adobe Acrobat Icon

SUNY-Certified Instructors

Scholarship/Grant Information

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Scholarships are available through a special fund administered by SUNY – State University of New York.

SUNY MAT Grant Program

The MAT Grant Program has funds available to help offset the cost of the training.

Can I apply for MAT Grant funds?

  • You can apply if you work in New York State and are:
  • A registered family child care provider currently caring for children
  • A licensed group family child care provider currently caring for children
  • A director or authorized representative of a child care program currently caring for children in a registered school-age program
  • A director or authorized representative of a childcare program currently caring for children in a licensed small day care center
  • A director or authorized representative of a childcare program currently caring for children in a licensed childcare or Head Start center
  • A Informal (legally exempt) child care provider serving children whose child care is being funded through public child care subsidies

How do I apply for funds?

Download the 2007 Medication Administration Training Grant Program Application Adobe Acrobat Icon if you are a licensed home based or center based provider.

Download the Medication Administration Application Brochure Adobe Acrobat Iconif you are a Legally Exempt Provider that Cares for Children Receiving Subsidy payments.

How do I Renew My MAT Certificate?

Watch the SUNY Training Strategies Group Video or read more about your renewal options

Have more questions?