Infection Control

Infection control practices in childcare settings are very important in order to protect the children and staff in these centres. Children’s immune systems are not fully developed at this stage so they would be more at risk for contracting communicable diseases than healthy adults. Adhering to proper practices is vital to help ensure the health and well-being of everyone in the centres.

Resources and Links

H-N Daycare Resource Manual

Managing illness in a child care facility requires the teamwork of parent/caregiver(s), staff, physicians and Haldimand Norfolk Health UnitHalidmand Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU).

Routine Practices for Child Care Settings

The best way to control the spread of any type of infection is to practice proper hygiene. When blood or other body fluids are involved, it is also important to use routine practices (formerly referred to as Universal Precautions). The basic principle is to assume that all body substances are potentially infectious. Read more…

Common Childhood Illnesses

Here are some illnesses that children often get. All of these spread from person to person. Read more…

Hand Washing

Frequent and thorough hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infection. Read more…

Do Bugs need Drugs?

A community program for wise use of antibiotics. Read more…

Diapering Procedure

Water Play Tables

Communal, unsupervised water play tables are not recommended. Only use communal water tables if children are supervised and the following conditions apply. Read more…

Mixing of Chlorine (Bleach) Solution for Disinfecting

Household bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite) mixed with water, is an inexpensive and effective disinfectant. By mixing different amounts of bleach with water, you can make a high, intermediate, or low-level disinfectant. Read more…