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.

Handwashing

Cleaning your hands is the best way to stop the spread of germs (bacteria and viruses) that can make you and others sick. Use soap and water to clean your hands. Follow these steps for the best results when washing your hands:

  1. Wet hands and wrists with warm water
  2. Lather soap and scrub hands for 20 seconds (or as long as it takes to sing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)
  3. Scrub between and around your fingers, nail beds, back of each hand, thumbs and wrists
  4. Rinse thoroughly under running water
  5. Dry hands well
  6. Turn off water using a paper towel, if possible
  7. Open door with paper towel, if possible

Wash with an alcohol-based rub

Use alcohol-based hand rubs only if your hands are dry and aren't visibly dirty. Follow these steps for the best results:

  1. Apply a quarter size amount of product to hands
  2. Rub between and around fingers, palms, back of each hand, thumbs and nail beds
  3. Continue to rub hands until they are dry

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