I strongly believe in being fully prepared to meet our children's needs, especially in case of emergencies. However, I am opposed to the provisions in Chapter 122 and Chapter 123 of the 2023 Acts of Assembly impact § 22.1-289.059 of the Code of Virginia directing the Department to amend regulations to require child day centers to implement policies for the possession and administration of epinephrine. 

I do think it would be helpful to have educators trained. However, these provisions may put smaller/family-owned and operated day care centers at a greater disadvantage. It would be costly for them to maintain weight-based dosages of epinephrine in the residence or home in which the family day home operates. It would be better for parents/guardians to provide the epinephrine as prescribed by the pediatrician. If there is none, the educators would not be the most ideal people to determine if the instance is a medical emergency which warrants epinephrine. 

I agree with many other experienced child care center operators who are opposed and believe it is costly and unnecessary. I also share the concern of accidental administering of the medicine due to symptoms which mimic allergic reactions. 

Please revisit these provisions and speak with those experienced early childhood educators on the ground regarding the potential impacts.