Hygiene Tips For Child Care Providers

Child care resources for parents and caregivers

Reducing the spread of infectious diseases is an important challenge in child care settings. Exposure to new germs is increased by bringing groups of children together, and immature immune systems mean that exposures are more likely to result in infection. Some of the more common problems are colds and flu, chicken pox, measles, gastrointestinal diseases, impetigo, ringworm and conjunctivitis. Not only is there a risk that the children may get sick, but they can spread germs to their families and care providers.

How Are Gems Spread At Daycare?

[ad#ad-1]Germs are spread in a number of ways: direct person to person contact, by touching infected objects, and through the air.

Direct person to person contact spreads germs most often by the hands. This can happen when children hold hands after one has blown his nose or put his fingers in his mouth. Care providers can pass germs to others after changing diapers, coughing into their hands, or touching an infected child. It can also happen when someone sneezes or coughs directly on another person.

Infected objects can transfer germs from one person to another because many germs remain alive for some period of time once deposited on inanimate objects. Dry surfaces may harbor live germs for hours while a moist surface may harbor live germs for days or weeks. Sharing drinking glasses, sneezing on a toy, putting objects in the mouth, even touching infected doorknobs can spread germs.

Airborne transmission is another way germs are spread. Sneezing and coughing into the air exacerbated by poor air flow and filtration contribute to the spread of disease.

What Can Be Done To Promote Good Hygiene At The Daycare?

There are a number of things that can be done to promote good hygiene and help stop the spread of germs:

Encourage children to cover their mouths when sneezing and coughing. They can even use their arm instead on their hands to cut down on spreading germs by the hands.
Take the time to thoroughly clean and disinfect surfaces.
Regularly wash / disinfect toys.
Make sure the ventilation system has been regularly cleaned and in good working order. Open windows for fresh air.
Properly dispose of soiled diapers, tissues, and non-reusable plates, cups and utensils.
Cover and treat cuts and abrasions on the skin.
Make frequent handwashing an important part of every day.

The Five W’s Of Handwashing

Why

According to the Association of Practitioners in Infection Control, handwashing is the single most important factor in preventing the spread of germs.

What

Handwashing has a number of functions. First, it removes the dirt and surface germs, thereby washing microorganisms off. Secondly, it may kill and inhibit the regrowth of organisms if a medicated soap is used.

Who

Anyone that comes in contact with germs should wash – child care providers, children and staff regardless of whether they have direct contact with children.

When and Where

Many infected people carry communicable diseases without showing symptoms and others may be contagious before symptoms appear, therefore good hygiene practices should be performed on a routine basis.

Staff and children should wash their hands…

* before eating
* after using the toilet
* after coughing or sneezing into the hands or tissue
* after handling pets
* after diaper changings
* after touching any bodily secretions.

Staff should also wash their hands…

before preparing or serving food
after helping a child use the toilet
after cleaning up a mess
after taking care of a sick child.

Seven Steps Of Effective Handwashing

Since the hands are the most common vehicle to spread or pick up germs, it is very important that everyone in a child care program learn the most effective way to wash their hands.

Turn on water to a comfortable temperature and moisten hands and wrists
Apply liquid soap and generate a heavy lather.
Wash well under running water for approximately 15 seconds, paying particular attention to areas between fingers, around nail beds, under fingernails, and back of hands
Rinse well under running water for 30 seconds, keeping hands low in the sink to prevent splashing. Good rinsing minimizes dry skin conditions.
Hold hands so that water flows from wrist to fingertips.
Dry hands completely with a clean paper towel.
Use the paper towel to turn the faucet so your hands remain clean from any contaminants that may be on the faucet.

What Kind Of Soap Should Be Used In The Daycare?

Liquid versus Bar

The use of bar versus liquid soap is a matter of personal preference. If bar soap is used, good drainage for the bar should be available. Liquid soap is less messy and provides a convenient and pleasant washing experience.

Antimicrobial / Antibacterial versus Non-medicated

Medicated liquid soaps contain an active ingredient which kills germs and inhibits their regrowth on the hands. The liquid soaps available on the market contain a variety of active ingredients that are effective against bacteria, yeast and mold. They work by suspending microorganisms, during handwashing, killing them, and allowing them to be rinsed off. Some soaps also have a residual effect, inhibiting the growth of germs on hands for a period of time after the handwash. It is a misconception that medicated liquid soaps are harsher than non-medicated liquid soaps and a number of very mild brands, including Liquid Dial Sensitive Skin, are available.

Non-medicated liquid soaps do not contain active ingredients and their mode of action is to suspend microorganisms during handwashing so they may be rinsed off.

Both types of liquid soaps may contain moisturizers and skin conditioners to keep hands soft, smooth and refreshed.

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Tags: childcare safety, germs, home childcare, Hygiene, infants