Atchoo!

Infectious Diseases:
Detect and Control Illness in Your Classroom

Needs Assessment
Early Childhood Education professionals need to be
knowledgeable of their responsibility in ensuring the health
and safety practices in their classrooms. In their first year
and beyond, they must be familiar with how to identify
common communicable diseases to ensure comfort,
caution and positivity within a healthy and enriching
learning environment. After completing this training, ECE
professionals will be able to minimize the spread of
communicable diseases for themselves and their students
by recognizing signs of illness and contagious diseases and
performing simple hygienic practices. By taking this course
ECE professionals will become stronger and more trusted
experts in their field by addressing disease and sickness
with knowledge and comprehension.

Course Objectives
Participants will be able to:
1. Identify the characteristics of multiple communicable diseases that
affect young children according to the Childhood Infectious Illness Chart.
2. Compare the appearance, signs, and symptoms of smallpox with
infectious diseases that currently appear in the early care environment.
3. Define foodborne illness, what causes it, and how to protect yourself
against it through proper food handling.
4. Compare the tips for feeding the sick child with DECAL rules and
regulations on excluding sick children.
5. Evaluate the tips and tools of disease control and prevention such as the
American Academy of Pediatrics suggestions for vaccinations.
6. Examine simple hand-washing guidelines that prevent the spread of
germs and illness in the classroom.
7. Review DECALs recommended hygiene practices, and rules and
regulations on diapering procedures; and examine cleaning and
sanitizing procedures that can help to fight the spread of diseases.

What is an Infectious Disease?

An infectious disease is caused by a pathogen (a
microorganism that can cause disease), such as a
virus, bacteria, or a fungus. This type of disease
can be spread from one person to another, or
from one species to another via air, through bodily
fluids, food, drink or by touch. Not every pathogen
will make a person sick -- we come equipped with
immune systems that can fight infections. The best
way to prevent infectious diseases is to
understand how they are spread and protect
yourself accordingly. Infectious Diseases are also referred to as:
Communicable diseases
Contagious diseases
Transmissible diseases
Avoidable/ Preventable Illness

2012 Childhood Infectious Illnesses Chart

Please examine the Childhood Infectious
Diseases chart by clicking the link 2012
Childhood Infectious Illnesses Chart found on
the webpage. When you are done, please
return to the PPT to learn more about specific
diseases.

Infectious diseases can be classified in two

different categories:
1. Viral Infections:
Include colds, flu, croup, laryngitis, chest colds (bronchitis) and most sore
throats.
Are more contagious than bacterial infections. (If more than one person
in the family has the same illness, odds are it is a viral infection.)
Can make you just as sick as bacterial infections.
Usually get better in 4-5 days but it might take as long as three weeks to
fully recover.
2. Bacterial Infections:
Are less common than viral infections.
Do not spread as easily from one person to another as viral infections.
Cause infections such as pneumonia and strep throat.
Antibiotics work against most bacteria.

Viral Infections affect the human body in several ways

Image retrieved from http://meningitissymptomsare.com/viral-meningitis-symptoms/

Infectious Disease is not Chronic Illness

Listed below are specific comparisons that will help you tell infectious disease and chronic illness apart.

Infectious Diseases
May be contagious or
passed from one host to
another
Symptoms are usu. acute
Caused by pathogens
Often curable
Can be eradicated
Evolve and mutate quickly
Effective immune response
Common infectious childhood diseases are
chicken pox, pink-eye or hand-foot-and-mouth
disease.

Chronic Illness
Not contagious
Chronic (recurring, slow and
permanent)
Caused by genetics or poor
health habits
Typically incurable
Can not be eradicated
Never changing
Ineffective immune response
Common chronic childhood diseases are
asthma or eczema.

According to Dr. W.G. Weinberg

Infection is everywhere. We live in continual
contact with microorganisms in our environment
and carry billions of bacteria and viruses within
us always. Most of us are usually protected from
becoming ill in this environment by an intact
immune system. When our immune system
becomes impaired, an infectious disease can
develop. In most cases, the infection is
preventable. To prevent and avoid infection, you
must first understand something of the infecting
organism and its life cycle.
Weinberg, W.G. (1996). No Germs Allowed! How to avoid infectious diseases at home and on the road. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.

More than just the Common Cold

The common cold is one of many diseases that
plague the early care classroom since there are
200 strains of viruses which can cause it. The
common cold is easy to detect but can also be
confused with something else depending on its
symptoms.
The next slides will describe other common
infectious diseases that occur in the early
childcare setting and which you should be
knowledgeable of in order to detect and intercept
them.
Image retrieved from http://www.myhousecallmd.com/tag/runny-nose/

Chicken-Pox

Image retrieved from http://philsadvice.com/how-to-treat-chicken-pox

Symptoms: Especially seen in

winter and spring. Respiratory
symptoms, malaise (not feeling
well), low-grade fever followed
by rash starting on face & trunk
spreading to rest of body. Fluid
filled vesicles on skin rupture &
scab over within 1 week.
How transmitted: Airborne or
direct contact w/vesicle fluid
When communicable: 1-2 days
before outbreak, till blisters dry.
Children must be restricted until
all the blisters have dried.
Vaccination or isolation is also
effective at preventing the
spread of chicken pox.

Conjunctivitis aka Pink eye

When the white of the eye becomes pink or red, its called
pink-eye or conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva is the
membrane that covers the white of the eye. It becomes
pink when it is infected or irritated.
Viral conjunctivitis (part of a cold) is the main cause of
pinkeye without pus. Bacterial conjunctivitis occurs when
the eyelids are stuck together. Allergic conjunctivitis is
usually accompanied by nasal allergies (hay fever) or
sneezing. Irritant conjunctivitis occurs when sunscreen,
soap, smoke, chlorine (pool water), or other foreign bodies
irritates the eye(s).
It is normally transmitted by contact with discharges from
eye, nose or mouth. Contaminated fingers and shared
articles. Child should be excluded until drainage/secretion
of eye is gone or on antibiotic Rx for full 24 hrs.

Diarrheal Diseases:
Signs or symptoms: Abnormally loose or
frequent stools, vomiting and sometimes fever. A
physician should diagnose specific cause.
How Transmitted: Fecal-oral route, through
contaminated articles, food/beverages and
hands.
When communicable: Throughout acute
infection and as long as organisms are in stool.
Restrictions: Exclude until diarrhea is gone for 24
hours or as advised by local health department
and physicians.

Diarrheal Diseases:
diarrhea
Acute diarrhea is usually related to a bacterial, viral, or parasitic
infection. Chronic diarrhea is usually related to functional
disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory
bowel disease. A few of the more common causes of diarrhea
include:
Bacterial infections
Viral infections
Food intolerances
Parasites
Reaction to medicines
Intestinal diseases
Functional bowel disorders/ Irritable bowel syndrome
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

Diarrheal Diseases:
Diarrhea
Children can have acute and chronic forms of diarrhea. Causes
include bacteria, viruses, parasites, medications, functional
bowel disorders, and food sensitivities. The condition is
defined as when infants or children have excessive stool and
where the output is changed from its normal consistency.
Medications to treat diarrhea in adults can be dangerous for
children and should only be given with a doctors guidance.
The main treatment for diarrhea in children is rehydration to
replace lost fluid quickly. After this a normal diet can resume
only if there is no vomiting associated with the diarrhea.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

Diarrheal Diseases:
diarrhea
Diarrhea is especially dangerous in newborns and infants,
leading to dehydration in just a day or two. Signs of
dehydration in children are:
Dry or sticky mouth, dry, cool skin
Few or no tears when crying
Eyes that look sunken into the head
Soft spot on top of baby's head that looks sunken
Lack of urine or wet diapers for 6 to 8 hours in an infant (or
only a very small amount of dark yellow urine)
Lack of or very small amount of dark yellow urine for 12
hours in an older child
Lethargy, irritability, fatigue or dizziness in an older child
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

Vomiting
An isolated incident of vomiting is nothing to worry about as
long as the child is not unduly distressed and has no other
symptoms such as a stomachache, earache, dizziness,
diarrhea, or fever (a temperature above 100.4 F). If the babys
occasional vomiting changes to forceful vomiting of fairly large
amounts after every feeding, or if he is losing or failing to gain
weight, or if the child vomits persistently for an hour, vomits
after a fall or head injury, or has other symptoms, or if theres
blood or greenish bowel in the vomit, get help immediately.
Dietz, W. and Stern, L. (2012). Eds. Nutrition: What every parent needs to know. (2nd edition)

Hand-Foot-And-Mouth Disease
What is it? A viral infection that causes mouth ulcers
and tiny blisters on the hands and feet.
Symptoms include small painful ulcers in the mouth
especially on the tongue and sides of the mouth, small
thick-walled water blisters located on the palms, soles
and webs between fingers and toes, small blisters or
red spots on the buttocks, fever around 102 degrees F.
Treatment includes liquid antacid for mouth pain, soft
diet of mostly liquids, pain/ fever medication.
To prevent it! Proper hand-washing, dont share cups,
glasses, etc., sanitize all contaminated articles, boil
eating utensils for 20 minutes.

Head Lice
Head lice are tiny gray-brown wingless parasitic insects
that affect only humans. They live by sucking blood
from the scalp. They cannot be caught from or passed
on to animals. Nits are head lice eggs - tiny white
specks that are stuck to the base of hairs.
Signs or symptoms: Severe itching; small lice eggs
closer than to nits on hair. Bumpy rash on nape of
neck, behind ears and/or crown of head may appear
after persistent infestation. Transmitted by direct
contact with infested individual or their clothing, article
to article contact, i.e. coats, blankets and hats.
Control Measures: Vacuum to get rid of lice in
environment. Wash all clothing and bedding in hot
soapy water for 20 minutes. Notify parents. Keep all
childrens personal items and clothing separate.

Hepatitis A
Symptoms include: Upset stomach, tired, dark colored
urine, light colored stool, yellowish skin & eyes, fever,
jaundice (often jaundice not present in children under
5 years), abdominal pain and diarrhea.
How transmitted: Fecal-oral route, through
contaminated articles, food/beverages & hands.
What to do: Child should be excluded for 2 weeks or
until 1 week after jaundice. Proper hand-washing;
sanitize all contaminated articles & equipment; notify
parents and local health department. Immune Globulin
for the staff and child contacts should be considered.

Influenza
Detection: Epidemics usually
in winter. Sudden onset fever
for 3-5 days, chills, tiredness,
malaise (not feeling well),
musculoskeletal aches, nasal
discharge, dry cough, mild
sore throat. Children can also
experience nausea, vomiting &
diarrhea.
Interception: Vaccination
available annually; most
effective if received from
September to mid- November.
Treatment is symptomatic
(rest, fluids, OTC med for fever
& aches)
Image retrieved from http://www.zmescience.com/research/dutch-researcher-created-super-influenza-with-the-capacity-of-killing-billions/

Measles, Mumps and Rubella

MM&R are all transmitted by inhalation of infective droplets & direct contact.
The MMR vaccine is apart of the initial strings of immunizations to receive in
childhood. Adults born after 1956 should get at least 1 dose of MMR.

Measles: Initially symptoms of severe cold with fever, conjunctivitis,

swollen eyelids, photophobia, malaise, cough, nasopharyngeal
congestion, red bumpy rash lasting about 6 days.
Mumps: Painful enlargement of salivary glands. Feverish cold
followed by swelling & stiffening of parotid salivary gland in front of
ear. Often bilateral. Earache, difficulty chewing & swallowing.
Glands tender to palpation.
Rubella: Generally milder than measles. Sore throat, low grade
fever. Fine pink rash on face, trunk & extremities lasting about 3
days.

Meningitis
Symptoms: Viral meningitis most common
type of meningitis; self-limited disease
lasting 7-10 days.
Bacterial very serious infection; fever,
chills, headache, nuchal rigidity (stiff neck)
with flexion, arthralgia (achy joints),
lethargy, malaise (ill feeling), altered mental
status, vomiting, seizures.
How transmitted: Sneezing & coughing on
others, contact with mucus or saliva,
contaminated articles, or fecal-oral route
depending upon organism involved.
What to do: Notify parents and local health
department. Clean and sanitize all articles;
proper hand washing. Exclude, return with
Dr.s permission after treatment.

Image retrieved from http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/

stories/meningitis-death-toll-rises-to-8-in-tainted-drug-outbreak

Meningitis refers to the inflammation of

the meninges, a collection of three
membranes that surround the brain and
spinal cord (central nervous system).

What is it?
Pneumonia is
inflammation of
the lungs caused
by bacterial or viral
infection.
Who is effected?
Non-healthy
populations, the
elderly and the
very young are
more sensitive to
contracting this
disease.

Pneumonia

Image retrieved from http://www.med-ed.virginia.edu/courses/rad/cxr/pathology3chest.html

Symptoms include:
Chills, high fever,
dyspnea, pleuritic
chest pain
worsened by deep
inspiration, cough,
crackles &
wheezes heard on
breath sounds.

Image used courtesy of clipart.

Scabies

Scabies is a condition of very itchy skin caused by tiny

mites that burrow into your skin.
Signs or symptoms: Mite burrows under skin. Red,
itchy rash tends to be in lines or burrows usually on
wrists, elbow creases or between fingers. Transmitted
by skin to skin contact or wearing shared clothing.
When communicable: Until mites are destroyed.
Children should be excluded for 24 hours after
treatment completed.
What to do: Notify parents. Wash all clothing and
bedding in hot soapy water for 20 minutes. Keep all
childrens personal items and clothing separate.

Strep Throat
Symptoms that occur for 1-3 days include: Red, painful
throat, fever. May develop rash (Scarlet Fever).
Is communicable and easily transmitted: 2 days before
symptoms until on antibiotic Rx for 24- 48 hrs by way
of sneezing & coughing on others, contact with mucus
or saliva, contaminated articles.
You must: Exclude child until s/he is on antibiotic Rx for
full 24 hrs. and no fever. Notify parents. Sanitize all
articles use by child. Proper hand-washing. Notify local
health department when cluster of cases of the
symptoms, sore throat and fever occur.

Image used courtesy of clipart.

Tuberculosis
Primarily affects respiratory system. May
spread to other organ systems.
Development of disease about 6-12 months
after infection. Chills, fever, fatigue,
productive or non-productive chronic
cough, weight loss, night sweats,
hemoptysis.
TB infection person has the bacteria but is
not sick & not capable of spreading the
disease. May become ill if health status
changes.
TB disease person ill, is capable of
spreading the disease. Needs medication.
The TB organism dies when exposed to light
& air. Skin test annually. If the TB skin test is
positive, you will still need to be evaluated
to determine if the TB is active.
Image retrieved from http://www.mnn.com/health/fitness-well-being/stories/meningitis-deathtoll-rises-to-8-in-tainted-drug-outbreak

Other Common Childhood

Communicable Diseases
Cytomegalovirus: Detected by a fever or sore throat
Fifth Disease: Mild or no fever, slapped cheek rash
spreading throughout body, lacy rash on arms on legs; rash
may recur with sunlight, warm bath or exercise.
Impetigo: Detected by blisters, crusts, scabs on skin which
are flat and yellow may be weeping.
Pertussis: Irritating cough can last 1-2 months-Often has a
typical whoop.
Ringworm: Red Scaling, itchy, circular lesions and broken
hairs from skin/head
Rosella: High sudden fever, runny nose, irritability, followed
by rash on trunk
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): Fever, runny nose,
coughing and sometimes wheezing.

History of Smallpox
Smallpox is still considered a serious, contagious, and even fatal
disease although the last case appeared in the USA in 1949.
Smallpox is said to be caused by variola virus. Humans are the
only known natural hosts of variola. There is currently no
treatment for Smallpox. Vaccinations for the disease stopped in
1972 in the USA but one confirmed case of the disease would
qualify as a public health emergency should it occur again in our
time. The first symptoms of Smallpox last 2-4 days and include
high fever, malaise (not feeling well), head and body aches, and
sometimes vomiting. It is best to isolate the patient at time of
fever and not to wait for development of rash. The next 4 days
are the most contagious and include symptoms such as an
emerging rash, which first appear as small red spots on the
tongue and in the mouth.

History of Smallpox
Spots turn into sores that break open and spread virus into
the mouth and throat. Then the rash develops spreading on
the entire body within 24 hours. Finally, the rash becomes
raised bumps that become liquid filled. If a case of smallpox
should arise, it is best to clean contaminated surfaces with
hypochlorite (bleach) & quaternary ammonia. Smallpox is
transmitted directly from person to person primarily by
droplet or aerosol. It could also be spread via contaminated
clothing or bed linens. Vaccination within 3 days will
prevent or significantly modify smallpox for most.
Vaccination 4-7 days after exposure may offer some
protection or modify severity of disease. For those
vaccinated, the site needs to be kept covered & dry, the
bandage should be changed every 1-2 days, and the hands
should be washed frquently.

What are foodborne and food related illnesses?

Foodborne illness is caused by consuming contaminated foods
or beverages. Many different disease-causing microbes, or
pathogens, can contaminate foods, so there are many different
foodborne infections.
Foodborne illness outbreaks in childcare often happen when a
food handler touches food with unwashed or improperly
washed hands. If the bacteria or virus gets into a childs mouth
and is swallowed, the child then becomes sick.
In addition, poisonous chemicals, or other harmful substances,
can cause foodborne diseases if they are present in food.
Unlike foodborne diseases, food-related illnesses, such as food
allergies or diabetes, may have genetic or environmental factors
that causes an intolerance in the child.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

What can consumers do to protect themselves from food illness?

Cook meat, poultry, and eggs thoroughly. Using a thermometer to
measure the internal temperature of meat is a good way to
ensure that it is cooked to kill bacteria.
Dont cross contaminate one food with another. Avoid cross
contaminating foods by washing hands, utensils, and cutting
boards after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry
and before they touch another food.
Refrigerate leftovers. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room
temperature, so refrigerate leftovers promptly if they are not
going to be eaten within four hours.
Wash produce. Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables in running tap
water to remove visible dirt and grime.
Make the call! Report suspected foodborne illnesses to your local
health department. Often calls from concerned citizens are how
outbreaks are first detected.
Childhood Diseases and Disorders Sourcebook. (2009). 2nd Edition.

Feeding the sick child

The following tips will help you and the
child in your care feel better and hasten
the childs recovery by feeding her or not
feeding her certain things:

Elbirt, P. Dr. Paulas Good Nutrition Guide for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. (2001).

Feeding the sick child

1. When a child is sick, she is normally not hungry therefore she
wont eat as much as she normally does.
2. Anyone who is sick needs liquids more than they need regular
food to replace what is lost by diarrhea, vomiting and sweat.
3. Dont give your sick child any food or liquids you wouldnt
ordinarily give. Most childhood illnesses are not so serious that
you need to discard all the rules or create bad food habits just
because the child is sick.
4. Feed the flu: A child will recover more quickly if given small
amounts of carefully chosen bland food throughout the illness
such as applesauce, eggs, potato, banana, rice, crackers and
pasta. Avoid sugary foods.
5. A vomiting child still needs water. Dont keep fluids away from a
child because she is vomiting. She needs fluids even if every
time you give some, she throws up.

Elbirt, P. Dr. Paulas Good Nutrition Guide for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. (2001).

Exclusion of Sick Children: 591-1-1-.07

According to the DECAL Rules for Childcare learning centers,
the following rules apply under Childrens Health for the
exclusion of sick children:
1. Exclusion of Sick Children. A child shall not be accepted
nor allowed to remain at the center if the child has the
equivalent of a one hundred one (101) degrees Fahrenheit
or higher oral temperature and another contagious
symptom, such as but not limited to, a rash, diarrhea or a
sore throat. When a child shows symptoms of illness
during the day, the child shall be moved to a quiet area
away from other children where the child shall be
supervised and provided the necessary attention until
such time as the child leaves the center or is able to
return to the child's group.

Exclusion of Sick Children: 591-1-1-.07

According to the DECAL Rules for Childcare learning centers, the following rules apply
under Childrens Health for Parental Notification.
Parents must be notified of a child's illness or injury as follows:
Notification

When

Immediately notify parents and obtain

specific instructions until child can be
picked up or returned to group.

When professional medical attention is

required, or
When child experiences symptoms of
moderate discomfort such as elevated
temperature, vomiting or diarrhea.

Notify parents by the end of the day.

When professional medical attention is

not required, or
When child experiences symptoms of less
than moderate discomfort, or
When child experiences an adverse
reaction to prescribed medication which
does not constitute moderate discomfort.

Prevention: Awareness is key

Understanding and knowing various types of
infectious diseases is the key to early detection of
illness before it becomes severe.
Being able to identify the symptoms of infectious
diseases is important in the early care
environment where children often cannot tell you
how they feel or what is wrong with them.
Practicing good hygiene, cleaning and sanitation
practices is the best way to avoid infectious
diseases in yourself and others.

Vaccination Recommendations
It is important to familiarize yourself with the
suggested age, appropriate dosage, and
specific type of vaccine recommended for
children in the US aged 0 to 18. Although
vaccinating your children is an option given
predominately to the parents of that child,
many healthcare professionals and
practitioners still go by the schedule that you
will find on the slide that follows.

Vaccination Recommendation Schedule

Hygiene: 591-1-1-.17
According to the DECAL Rules for Childcare
learning centers, proper hygiene practices,
including regularly cleaning and sanitizing
certain areas and items in the childcare
environment, caring for childrens hygiene,
staying home when sick, properly disposing of
garbage, and following correct hand-washing
procedures are all necessary components to
aide in the prevention of infectious disease or
illness.

Hygiene: 591-1-1-.17
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Bathtubs and Showers should be cleaned and sanitized.

Children's Hygiene should be checked regularly and maintained.
Children's Personal Items should be cleaned and kept separate.
Contagious Diseases should be isolated, staff should stay home when ill.
Drinking Fountains and Cups should be cleaned and sanitized regularly.
Garbage should be removed to maintain center cleanliness.
Hand-washing, Childrens hands should be washed with soap and warm
water according to program requirements.
8. Hand-washing, Staff should wash hands regularly according to state
regulations.
9. Laundry should be kept clean and laundry are should be separate from
children play and travel areas.
10. Potty Chairs should be emptied, cleaned, disinfected and stored
properly.
11. Soiled Containers and Items shall be labeled, sealed and kept out of
reach of children.
12. Wet Clothing should be stored in individual plastic bags immediately
after removal.

The importance of proper hand-washing

It goes without saying that proper and
consistent hand-washing is the easiest thing
any ECE professional can do to prevent the
spread of infectious diseases in the early care
environment. Frequently practicing proper
hand-washing, however, is just as important
as teaching it to our young ones. The following
slide presents a simple chart of proper handwashing that you should know. If some version
of this is not already posted in your classroom,
get one ASAP!

Proper Hand-Washing Technique

Diapering Procedures: 591-1-1-.10

According to the DECAL Rules for Childcare learning centers, the
following diapering procedures should be followed to promote
cleanliness and sanitation, and prevent the spread of illness and
disease.
1.

2.

Ventilation. For centers first licensed after March 1, 1991, and

for centers that are renovated after March 1, 1991, the
diapering areas shall be ventilated by functioning exhaust fans
and a duct system or by the required operable windows.
Lavatory. In centers first licensed after March 1, 1991, and
centers that renovate existing plumbing facilities, a hand
washing lavatory with running heated water shall be located
adjacent to the diapering area. Flush sinks shall not be used for
hand washing. Cleansing procedures in other facilities shall be
approved by the Department.

Diapering Procedures: 591-1-1-.10

3.

4.

5.

Changing Diapers. Diapers shall be changed in the child's own crib or on a diaper
changing surface that is used for no purposes other than changing clothes in
each room where infants or any other children wearing diapers are served.
a. If diapers are changed on a diaper changing surface, the surface shall be
smooth, nonporous, and equipped with a guard or rails to prevent falls.
Between each diaper change, the diaper change surface shall be cleaned with
a disinfectant and dried with a single-use disposable towel.
b. Infants and children shall not be left unattended while being diapered or
having their clothes changed on the diaper changing surface.
c. Any items which might harm a child must be kept out of a child's reach.
Supplies. The following items shall also be provided at the diapering area:
liquid soap, individually dispensed, single-use hand towels, single-use wash
cloths, and covered storage container for soiled items.
Hygiene. Staff shall wash their hands with liquid soap and warm running water
immediately before and after each diaper change they perform. Staff with diaper
changing responsibilities shall not be simultaneously assigned to kitchen food
preparation duties.
Location of Diapering Area. The area used for diapering shall not be used for
food preparation. It must be clear of formulas, food, food utensils and food
preparation items.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Toys and Surfaces

Please watch the video on the webpage for
the best methods of cleaning and sanitizing
toys and surfaces in your childcare program
before proceeding to the Course Assessment.
Following these recommendations can
prevent a lot of stress and sickness, and may
even save a childs life in the long run.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2013). Recommended Immunization Schedule for person aged 0 through 18
years. Advisory Committee on Immunization practices. Retrieved from
http://aapredbook.aappublications.org/site/resources/IZSchedule.pdf
Bright from the Start. (2014). Rules for childcare learning centers: Chapter 591-1-1. Georgia Department of Early
Care and Learning.
Canadian Lung Association. (2012). How to wash your hands properly. Retrieved from
http://www.poumon.ca/protect-protegez/germs-microbes_e.php
Center for disease control and prevention. (2012). Childhood infectious illnesses. Childrens healthcare of
Atlanta. Retrieved from http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/CommunicableDiseaseChart.pdf
Cox, J. (2010). Health and Safety for Infants and Toddlers. National head start training and technical assistance
network. Retrieved from
http://www.arheadstart.org/start/reports/Healthandsafetyforinfantsandtoddlers4142010.pdf
Hand-washing Chart. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.wechealthunit.org/inspect/emergencypreparedness/pandemic-flu/frequently-asked-questions-on-pandemic-influenza
Overview of Viral Infections. (2012). Retrieved from http://meningitissymptomsare.com/viral-meningitissymptoms/
Schmitt, B.D. (2011). My child is sick! Expert advice for managing common illnesses and injuries. Elk Grove
Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.
Weinberg, W.G. (1996). No Germs Allowed! How to avoid infectious diseases at home and on the road. New
Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.
Wested 08. (2013). Cleaning and Sanitizing. [Video] Retrieved from
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