Preventing Illness in Childcare Centers: A Practical Guide

Children do not really understand germs or think too much about basic hygiene, which is why colds and flu are so prevalent in child care centers. Of course, it is impossible to completely eradicate these diseases, but easy methods can be implemented immediately to help prevent the spread of diseases in child care centers.

Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands. Handwashing is the number-one way to prevent the spread of germs, so ensure that all workers and children wash their hands before and after using the restroom or eating; after sneezing, coughing, or blowing/wiping their noses; and as necessary.

• 2

  Keep things clean. A variety of products available will disinfect toys and surfaces without the need for further scrubbing or rinsing (meaning you can spray it on and leave it). Make it a habit to disinfect everything at the end of the day, or as needed.

• 3

  Institute a well-child policy. In essence, if a child has a fever, cough, runny nose or other symptoms of illness, then parents need to arrange for alternate care at home. If this is not possible, the child should be kept away from the other children as much as possible (maybe being allowed to play with a worker one-on-one or do solitary activities, such as painting), and frequent handwashing and masks (only for the sick child, not all of them) should be utilized until the child is better.