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Healthy
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Handwashing and Soaps
At home and at work, it is important to stop the spread of germs in order to stay healthy. In the childcare setting, this becomes even more important. Little hands can get dirty very quickly; and with children and adults coming into close contact throughout the day, disease and illness can spread rapidly. For that reason, childcare programs must be extra diligent and thorough in keeping their centers clean and as disease-free as possible.
Thankfully, one of the easiest, least expensive methods of staying clean and healthy is still the simple routine of washing hands thoroughly with soap and water. All experts recognize the importance of handwashing often throughout the day, but choosing the right soap and using the proper technique of handwashing are just as essential.
Handwashing is important! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that every year, more than 164 million school and childcare days are lost due to illness; and many of those illnesses could have been avoided if children had washed their hands correctly.
Not All Soaps are Alike
While all soaps are effective, they are not all alike. A visit to the supermarket reveals a multitude of regular soaps, antibacterial soaps, gels, and other quick and easy methods of keeping hands clean. The question is, what should a childcare program look for when choosing a soap for hand washing?
Antibacterial Soaps
When looking for soap to use in a childcare program, some caregivers may choose antibacterial soaps. Antibacterial soaps contain special agents that kill bacteria and inhibit bacterial growth. But experts in the medical field suggest limiting the use of antibacterial products because they kill good and bad bacteria, and the good bacteria are part of the protective system; overuse may actually decrease ability to fight infection.
The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education lists only a few states that even mention this type of soap in their recommendations to childcare programs, and then it is in reference to adult handwashing in certain situations.
Hand Sanitizers
Some early care and education professionals may choose the alcohol-based hand rubs and wipes as an alternative to soap because they are easy to use. However, if ingested, these products are toxic for children, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly discourages the use of the sanitizers in childcare settings.
The alcohol-based sanitizers should only be used where no other alternative exists, such as on field trips or in other locations where running water is not available. But if the childcare program keeps them on hand for such instances, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep them clearly labeled and out of the reach of children.
Plain Soap
Ordinary soap is easy to find and is still one of the least expensive products available. The CDC recommends using regular soap and water for handwashing and considers it as one of the most important means of preventing the spread of infection as long as the proper technique is followed.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommends using liquid soaps to wash hands. In addition to being easy to use, research has shown that using liquid soap may reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Bar soap, after being handled by many little hands, may contain a multitude of harmful germs. Another benefit is that many liquid soaps also include a softening agent, so tender hands may not dry out as quickly from frequent handwashing.
There are many types of soaps, but regardless of what type is used in the childcare program, handwashing schedules should be made and followed by children and adults. Hands also need to be washed correctly and frequently in order to keep germs from spreading.
Proper Handwashing
To wash little (and big) hands properly, use comfortably warm running water and lather with liquid soap. The most important step is rubbing the hands together for at least 10-15 seconds; it is the rubbing and the friction that remove the germs.
Rinse all the soap off, and dry hands by rubbing or patting with a clean cloth or paper towel. Be sure to assist young children with this task if needed. Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet when finished washing.
For very young children, it is acceptable to wipe their hands with a warm, wet towel, then lightly scrub with a soapy towel. Finish by wiping the hands with another clean warm, wet towel; and pat dry with a clean, dry towel.
Young children can learn about the importance of handwashing through activities such as this one activity, Spreading Germs, from I Am Amazing.
Materials: 3-4 cups of flour in paper or plastic bag.
Activity: Have the children stand in a circle. Let one child dip a hand into the bag of flour. Have that child shake hands with the next child, and so on until all shake hands. Then ask how many children have flour on their hands.
Explain that germs, like the flour, are spread from person to person but that you cannot see the germs. Next, have one child dip a hand into the flour and before shaking hands, ask the child to wash his or her hands and then shake hands with the other children. You may follow this by having the children practice handwashing and then go on to other activities.
Keeping childcare centers clean and safe is a goal all providers and parents share. Teaching children the importance of cleanliness, scheduling handwashing and closely following those schedules, and making informed decisions when choosing cleaning products will help contribute to a healthy environment in which both children and their caregivers can learn, play and grow.
Cynthia D. Sprouse, BA, Project Associate
Training and Technical Assistance Services, Western Kentucky University
Internet Resources
Henry the Hand, www.henrythehand.com
Kansas Dept. Of Health & Environment, www.kdheks.gov/wash_em/education.html
Kids Health, www.kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/hand_washing.html
National Food Service Management Institute, www.nfsmi.org/Information/handsindex.html
Resources
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30333; 800-311-3435; www.cdc.gov
National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care, UCHSC at Fitzsimons, Aurora, CO 80045-0508; 800-598-KIDS; www.healthykids.us
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