Minimum Standards for Tribal Child Care: A Health and Safety Guide
Table of Contents (This document is also available in PDF and Word format.)
Section III:
Infection Control
Handwashing
Principle
Proper handwashing routines are a regular part of every quality child care program’s health promotion and disease prevention strategy.
Why This Is Important
- Thorough handwashing is one of the most important and effective means for preventing disease transmission.
Standards
- All caregivers, volunteers, and children should wash all parts of their hands for at least 10 seconds with soap and water and then rinse them with water. If standing water is used to rinse hands, the water should be fresh for each person and should not be re-used. Running water is preferable.
- All caregivers, volunteers, and children should wash their hands:
- Before and after eating, giving medication, and participation in moist play;
- After diapering, toileting, cleaning, and the handling of body fluids, even if gloves are used;
- After handling animals, animal waste, or animal cages.
- A clean, individual paper or cloth towel should be used for each child within the child care setting.
| NOTE: In child care centers, paper towels should be used to dry hands and turn off faucet handles. Additionally, in child care centers, signs should be posted at each sink indicating when handwashing is required and the proper steps to follow. |
- Each paper towel should be used once by only one individual.
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