Modern medications allow children with a variety of acute and chronic health conditions to participate in daily activities. However, parents and child care providers may not realize that there are different dosage strengths available on the market. The parent or staff may not fully understand the dosage or a miscommunication may occur. These mistakes put small children, who cannot necessarily identify the adverse effects of a medication, at serious risk of harm. The medication needs of children and the role of the organization cannot be viewed in isolation. Rather, the challenge is to integrate the competing needs of the individual and the organization. There has been much discussion in New Jersey about medication administration in early care settings. Recently the nursing "delegation" issue has been partially resolved. This paper reviews the procedures mandated by New Jersey statutes and administrative code for child care providers and schools regarding the administration of medication to children. A snapshot of what other states are doing to integrate safety into medication administration procedures is also presented. (Contains 54 endnotes.)