Infection Prevention and Control
Bacteria and germs can spread quickly in a daycare and early childhood learning centre. You can take steps to control the spread of infection in your facility.
Understanding germs |
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Routine Infection Control Practices |
Routine practices are recognized strategies to prevent and control infection. They are based on the principle that any person may be carrying an infection and their bodily fluids potentially contain illness-causing microorganisms. Follow these routine practices to prevent transmission of infections:
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Hand hygiene |
Frequent hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of germs and illness. Two effective methods are hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol based hand rub (ABHR) that contains at least 60% alcohol. ABHR should only be used under supervision in child care centres and it should not be used when hands are visibly dirty/soiled or when hands are wet. If children are too young to wash their hands themselves, do it for them. Supervise older children when they wash their hands. Show the child how to wash their hands correctly if they do not know or have forgotten. Remind the child that washing hands will help to keep them from getting sick. A large common basin for children to rinse hands after activities should not be used. Children should wipe hands with a paper towel then go to a sink and wash their hands with soap and running water. Staff should wash their hands:
Children should wash their hands (or have them washed):
Individual cloth towels may be used if each child has a clean one every time they wash their hands. Towels must go into the laundry after every use. |
How to wash hands with soap / alcohol-based hand rub |
Follow these steps for the best results when washing your hands:
How to wash with an alcohol-based rubUse alcohol-based hand rubs only if your hands are dry and aren't visibly dirty. Follow these steps for the best results:
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Infection control within a childcare centre
Organize your childcare centre for infection control |
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Diaper changes |
Diapering Area
Diaper Changing ProcedureNever leave a child unattended on the change table.
Note: Use skin care products only if requested by a parent and only for the designated child. Be sure skin care products are labelled with the child’s name. |
Potty chairs |
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Toileting procedures |
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Cots |
To reduce transmission of any germs, cots should be spaced at least 1 metre (3 feet) apart.
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Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sanitizing
Cleaning |
Cleaning is the physical removal of visible dirt and organic matter from objects using detergent, warm water and friction. Rubbing action creates friction, which is required to remove any surface dirt/organic matter from the surface. Cleaning will physically remove some microorganisms (germs such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, moulds), however; it does not kill those that may remain on the surface. Cleaning is an important first step in removing disease-causing microorganisms. If surfaces are not clean, dirt and organic matter can coat and protect germs and may cause further disinfection processes to be ineffective. |
Disinfecting / sanitizing |
Disinfecting/sanitizing will greatly reduce the number of microorganisms from any surface. This process will destroy (kill) and reduce the number of microorganisms to an acceptable level. These processes do NOT sterilize items and all germs will never be removed. This process can be achieved by using either high temperature water during the rinse cycle (e.g. commercial dishwashers at greater than 82℃/180℉) or chemical solutions. |
Choosing the right cleaner |
Cleaning solutions such as soaps and detergents should be appropriate for the type of surface or items being cleaned. For example, products labelled as “bathroom cleaners” may not be appropriate for kitchen counters or other food contact surfaces. Many chemical disinfectants are available. Chemical manufacturing labels with information and instructions should be read and followed carefully. For example, some commercial products require a final rinse with clean water after the appropriate disinfectant contact time in order to remove any excess chemical residues. |
How often to clean and disinfect |
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How to clean and disinfect
Three-step cleaning and disinfecting method |
Step 1: CLEANUse a detergent/soap, water and a clean brush/cloth and apply a scrubbing action. Why: To remove dirt and organic matter. Cleaning must occur before disinfection. Step 2: RINSEUse clean water and a clean cloth and/or place under running water. Why: To remove soap residue, dirt and organic matter. Soap films can make disinfectant ineffective. Step 3: DISINFECTApply chemical to the surface at the appropriate strength for the appropriate contact time. Why: To destroy germs that may cause illness. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on product labels. |
The most contaminated surfaces |
Surfaces considered most likely to be contaminated are those with which children are most likely to have close contact. These include:
Playdough cannot be sanitized and needs to be replaced on a regular basis. |
Cleaning blood or bodily fluids |
Avoid direct contact with body fluids, as they all have the potential to spread germs. Germs in vomit and diarrhea may travel through the air, so it is important to clean up quickly. A spill kit should be prepared ahead of time that includes:
Procedure
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Waste disposal |
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Getting the correct concentration of chlorine |
When using household bleach (5.25% ) chlorine to disinfect, it is sometimes difficult to achieve the correct level. The following steps will take you through mixing household bleach and water to use as a disinfectant. Note: The bleach solution should be mixed daily to preserve the strength. Low Level Disinfectant
Intermediate Level Disinfectant
High Level Disinfectant
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Cleaning & disinfecting play areas and toys
Sensory play tables |
Note: Sensory play tables are not to be used during an outbreak of communicable disease due to the risk of disease transmission. |
Water play activities |
Water play can also be a good medium for spreading infections. The following will reduce the spread of infection:
Note: A child with a skin infection should not be allowed to play with other children at a shared water play table. Water play tables are not to be used during an outbreak of communicable disease due to the risk of disease transmission. Sanitizing procedure:
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Indoor sandbox |
Note: Do not use sandboxes during the outbreaks of communicable disease. |
Outdoor sandboxes |
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Other sensory tables |
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Food items sensory tables |
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Craft material |
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Cleaning schedules
Cleaning schedules |
Cleaning and disinfecting are important to infection prevention and control in a child care setting. Some pathogens can live for hours, days or even weeks on toys, equipment and other surfaces. To reduce the spread of pathogens in your child care centre, please consult the following guides:
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Resources:
- Wash your hands: colouring book [PDF] | Huron Perth Public Health, February 2020
- Poster: Washing your hands [PDF] | Huron Perth Public Health, February 2020