Care of Young Children With Diabetes in the Childcare and Community Setting: A Statement of the American Diabetes Association

Abstract

Diabetes management in children extends from the home to other settings where children spend a significant portion of their waking hours. For young children (generally, aged <5 years) with diabetes, this includes childcare centers. Given their age and developmental stage, young children require a carefully thought-out, proactive diabetes care plan for the childcare setting, developed jointly by the health care provider and parents/guardians, and implemented by childcare staff. In the U.S., federal laws and some state laws protect the rights of children with diabetes in childcare and other settings to ensure they receive appropriate assistance with the diabetes management and care. This American Diabetes Association (ADA) Statement addresses the legal rights of children in the childcare setting, outlines the current best practices for diabetes care, and provides resources and responsibilities for parents/guardians, childcare providers, and health care providers. The ADA intends for these tools and information to support the health and well-being of young children with diabetes and offer helpful guidance to those caring for them.