Most experts agree that the single most effective practice that prevents the spread of germs in the childcare setting is good hand washing by childcare providers, children and others. Some activities in particular expose children and providers to germs or the opportunity to spread them. You can stop the spread of germs by washing your hands and teaching the children in your care good hand washing practices.

Children should wash their hands:

• Upon arrival at their childcare setting
• Immediately before and after eating
• After using the toilet or having their diapers changed
• Before using water tables
• After playing on the playground
• After handling pets, pet cages or other pet objects
• Whenever hands are visibly dirty
• Before going home
  

Providers should wash their hands:

• Upon arrival at work
• Immediately before handling food, preparing bottles or feeding children
• After using the toilet, assisting a child in using the toilet or changing diapers
• After contact with a child's body fluids, including wet or soiled diapers, runny noses, spit, vomit, etc.
• After handling pets, pet cages or other pet objects
• Whenever hands are visibly dirty or after cleaning up a child, the room, bathroom items or toys
• After removing gloves used for any purpose
• Before giving or applying medication or ointment to a child or self
• Before going home

Do not forget—Wearing gloves DOES NOT exclude proper hand washing procedures.