Hand washing in Schools
Hand washing is the best first line defense against germs such as bacteria and viruses, which can be transmitted several different ways. One way infectious diseases can be transmitted in childcare facilities and preschools is by touching dirty hands or changing dirty diapers. Some other ways germs spread include contaminated water and food; droplets released during a cough or a sneeze; contaminated surfaces, or through a sick person's body fluids. When children pick up germs from one of these sources, they will often unknowingly, become infected by simply touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. It is usually just a matter of time before the whole center, including the staff, as well as the other children come down with the same illness. Good hand washing techniques can ward off many illnesses associated with these germs, and not just the common cold. More serious illnesses such as meningitis, bronchiolitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhea can be stopped with the simple act of washing your hands properly. Infection control begins with good hand washing hygiene. Hot and cold running water sinks are important in any area of childcare, preschools and elementary schools. If you do not have plumbing in those areas most affected by contagious germs, portable sinks are a great option for your facility. Check your local teacher store or educational dealer to find a dealer for this product. We often recommend the brand Ozark River Portable Sinks to our centers. The key to infection control is to learn and teach others to Wash Your Hands Correctly. Here are some easy-to-follow steps for scrubbing those germs away. Demonstrate this routine to the children in your child care, first by washing your hands together with the children several times a day so they learn how important this good habit of hand washing is. 1. Wash your hands in warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot for little hands. 2. Use soap and lather up for about 10 to 15 seconds (antibacterial soap isn't necessary, any soap will do). Sing the song Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star with the children. Make sure they get in between those tiny fingers and under the nails where uninvited germs like to hang out. And don't forget to wash the wrists. 3. Rinse and dry well with a clean towel. To minimize the germs passed around your facility, make frequent hand washing a rule for everyone. Here are some important times to make sure hand washing is done: • Every time before eating and cooking • Every time after using the bathroom • Every time after touching animals, including pets • Every time before and after taking care of any sick children • Every time after blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing • Every time after being outside (playing outside or fieldtrips.) Don't underestimate the power of hand washing. The few seconds you spend at the sink, or portable sink with the children and staff at your center could save everyone many trips to the doctor's office.
Fatal error: Call to undefined function the_tags() in /home/madhorne/public_html/tnfnu/wp-content/themes/old-paper-10/single.php on line 20