It is very common for children and adults to become ill in a child care setting. There are a number of steps child care providers and staff can take to provide a safe and healthy environment and prevent or reduce the incidents of illness among children and adults in the child care setting.

Hand Washing Procedures- Washing your hands is one of the easiest and best ways to prevent the spread of germs and diseases. Hands should be washed frequently including after diapering, toileting, caring for an ill child, coming into contact with bodily fl uids (such as nose wiping), before feeding, eating and handling food, and any time hands are soiled. It is also important that children’s hands be washed frequently as well. Refer to the licensing rules for when hand washing is required for caregivers and children. The following are not approved substitutes for soap and running water: hand sanitizers, water basins and pre-moistened cleansing wipes. Hand sanitizer may be used to supplement hand washing.

Maintain a Sanitary Setting- It is important to maintain a sanitary setting to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses. There are many items and surfaces in a child care setting that must be cleaned and sanitized.

Cleaning and Sanitizing- To clean and sanitize means to wash vigorously with soap and water, rinse with clean water, and wipe or spray the surface with a sanitizing solution. The surface should air dry for at least two minutes.

Maintenance of the Environment, Toys and Equipment It is important to maintain a healthy environment and to keep toys and equipment clean and sanitary. Develop a cleaning schedule to ensure everything is cleaned at regular intervals. You can also implement a checklist for keeping track of what is washed, by whom and when.