Combating Germs and the Prevention of Germ Transmission
I. Handwashing: Adults and children-20 sec with soap and warm water. Sing a song to last 20 sec or more while washing. Washing before and after food prep and eating, using toilets, diapering (including the beginning and end of glove use), children hands washed after diapering too, messy play, coming in from outside, handling anything with animals, coming in contact with bodily fluids, using tissues to wipe drippy noses, washing faces after eating, when entering another classroom, and just any old time. We teach our staff and encourage families the act of “washing in and washing out.” This means you use the bathroom before beginning your day in the classroom, washing your hands and then before leaving you do the same. This act is important to do when you get home from anywhere too. Research shows that the best thing for reducing the spread of germs is hand washing and maintaining a good pattern of doing it
II. Cleaning Methods: 1 TBSP for disinfecting and 2 TBSP bleach for sterilization to 1 Qt of water made fresh daily in each classroom and kept in a safety locked cabinet. This solution is used for disinfecting toys, tabletops, diaper tables, doorknobs, and other non-porous materials. Soapy water solution is used to clean all surfaces with disposable towels before disinfection solution is applied and allowed to air dry for at least 2 mins. Other cleaning methods: Staff apply disinfection solution on to all surfaces before leaving for the day including non-porous toys, diaper mats, tabletops, door handles. The janitor after cleaning and disinfecting the sinks and toilets applies disinfectant as well. Cot sheets are washed and dried in a heat of 140 degrees weekly and blankets sent home on weekends or are washed at CCLC at least monthly. Infant crib sheets are changed daily, and each child has their own crib. Toys are routinely washed and sanitized in our kitchen sanitizer. Sinks and toilets are routinely washed and sanitized when soiled during the day.
III. Sick person policy: A child or adult may not attend the center if: temp over 100 degrees F under the arm or has recurrent vomiting or diarrhea or has symptoms of a communicable disease. a. Childcare educators are certified by a Dept of Health Child Care Consultant every third year with a refresher every year on the Daily Health Observation that is set forth by the Va. Dept of Health. This training is based on best practices and gives participants both theory and practical ways to reduce the spread of illness in childcare programs as well as covering health promotion and OSHA based standard practices elements applicable to childcare settings. b. Teach kids and adults to cough and sneeze into a tissue (make sure to throw it away after each use!) or to cough and sneeze into their arm or elbow, NOT their hands. Make it a habit! c. CCLC agrees to let families know when a communicable disease has been diagnosed at the center or in the child’s classroom.
IV. Department of Health Disease Recommendations: If the center or community has an epidemic or outbreak of a serious illness or disease. CCLC and the health department will be in direct contact for advice on exclusions, mandatory closures and other measures to secure the health and safety of our community. a. CCLC will contact families, via email, in person and with written documents when a Health Dept Recommendation or Mandatory Closure of the center is advised. b. CCLC upon notice will reimburse any tuition fees paid for those days missed by a mandatory closure. c. The CCLC contract agreement states that families must notify CCLC if a child has become ill and will be absent as well as if they have a communicable disease or illness. d. CCLC asks that if a child is treated by a doctor due to an illness/disease that a school release note from the doctor be obtained. e. If a child/family member/staff person has a Health Dept. Reportable Disease, CCLC will follow the recommendations set forth by the Dept of Health for their return to the center.
V. Other recommended ways to stay healthy: Eat well, sleep well, exercise well, and receive health recommendations from your physician. a. CCLC strives to have fresh fruits and vegetables and less canned/packaged foods in our USDA certified meals. b. Teachers enjoy outside time at least an hour a day and usually more with children for fresh air, learning opportunities, and exercise. Cold weather doesn’t cause illness, germs do. c. Children in Nature programming at CCLC brings an excitement for learning, moving, and exploring. Finding new things each day! d. Children need lots of sleep! American Pediatrics Assoc. recommends: Ages 4-12 months: 12-16 hours (including naps) Ages 1-2 years: 11-14 hours (including naps) Ages 3-5 years: 10-13 hours (including naps) Age 6-12 years: 9-12 hours Age 13-18 years: 8-10 hours, Adults too need 8 hours of sleep! e. Health recommendations from your physicians: Dental checkups, well checkups, immunizations indicated, and follow the directions when being treated for an illness.
For further reference: Va. Dept. of Social Services https://www.dss.virginia.gov/ DSS Licensing Standards for Child care settings https://www.dss.virginia.gov/files/division/licensing/cdc/intro_page/code_regulations/regulations/final_cdc_reg.pdf Va. Dept. of Health http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/ American Academy of Pediatrics https://www.aap.org/en-us/Pages/Default.aspx