There are a variety of organizations that have available information on asthma including training videos for childcare programs, management plans, and information for plans. These resources can be used in training sessions and can be added to your health and safety library.

Asthma Education for Childcare and Preschool Staff is a comprehensive, multimedia training course and resource guide developed for people who work with young children who have asthma in preschools, childcare centers, and family childcare homes. Presented as online streaming video with a companion PDF guidebook, this resource provides valuable information for teachers, parents, and other caregivers.

The 43-minute video is divided into four segments: What is asthma, asthma management, triggers and the environment, and plans and policies. The complementary, 105 page, PDF guidebook (5MB) is divided into four corresponding chapters. The guidebook also includes resources and sample forms that can be used by early care and education programs.

The American Lung Association (ALA) provides a two-hour training program for childcare programs on how to identify and manage asthma and how to make childcare settings asthma friendly.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) provides training for childcare programs. During this interactive three-hour program, Asthma & Allergy Essentials for Child Care Providers, a trained health professional teaches providers how to recognize the signs and symptoms of asthma and allergies, how to institute environmental control and prevention measures, and how to use medications and tools to manage these diseases.

Also from the AAFA is a new program to help early childhood educators and parents of children (newborn through age six) to manage asthma. Asthma Basics for Children is a two-session program for early childhood educators that covers the basics of asthma management, including using an asthma action plan, communicating with parents, controlling triggers, and handling asthma emergencies.

The American Lung Association (ALA) provides a two-hour training program for childcare programs on how to identify and manage asthma and how to make childcare settings asthma friendly.

Asthma Education for Childcare and Preschool Staff, www.californiabreathing.org/childcare_staff.php

Asthma Management in Childcare Poster, www.ucsfchildcarehealth.org/pdfs/asthma/Poster_Emergency_EN_0606.pdf

American Lung Association, 61 Broadway, 6th Fl., New York, NY 10006; 800-LUNGUSA; www.lungusa.org

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 1233 20th St., NW, Ste. 402, Washington, DC 20036; 800-727-8462; www.aafa.org