The updated version of
Staying healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood education and care services is now available.
Staying healthy is a key resource for services looking for support in meeting their regulatory obligations around health and hygiene, in line with the current
regulatory priority focus on health, hygiene and medical management.
Children, especially those attending early childhood education and care services, are more susceptible to infections due to their developing immune systems and close contact with others. Proper hygiene practices help reduce the spread of germs and lower the risk of infections.
Teaching children good hygiene habits early in life sets the foundation for lifelong practices that can protect their health and the health of those around them.
Practical ways to prevent the spread of infection
- Discourage staff from coming in to work if they are unwell and ask families to keep sick children at home.
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub. Teach children how to correctly wash their hands.
- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your arm, throw used tissues into the bin and clean your hands afterwards. Children will learn from your example.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, tapware, tabletops, light switches, mobile devices and learning resources. Wash your hands after cleaning.
- Ensure good ventilation by opening windows and doors, and getting plenty of fresh air outside each day.
- Help build your immunity to protect yourself against disease by maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate hydration, regular exercise, sufficient sleep and vaccination. Teach children about the benefits of doing the same.
Educator tools, tips and resources
Resources to share with families
Resources to display
Quality and compliance resources