How can we reduce germs and prevent falls this fall in child care? - post

Introduction

This short guide helps child care providers remember easy steps to fight germs and stop falls during the autumn season. Fall brings rainy days, leaves at the door, and more respiratory bugs like #flu and RSV. A few simple reminders keep children, staff, and families healthier and safer.

Why it matters: When we stop germs and reduce slips, we keep classrooms open and kids learning. Preventing illness and injuries saves time, worry, and keeps parents at work. Our role as caregivers means we set routines and practices that protect everyone. For trusted training and tools, see Infection Control Practices for Child Care Settings on ChildCareEd.

Note: state requirements vary - check your state licensing agency.

What simple daily steps stop germs in my program?

1. Teach and do hand hygiene every day. Handwashing is the top defense. Show staff and children how to wash for 20 seconds. Use songs or timers. See our handwashing tips at Infection Control Practices for Child Care Settings. Remember: #handwashing helps stop #germs.

2. Clean and disinfect surfaces often. Use soap and water to clean, then disinfect high-touch spots (tables, door handles, toys). The difference between cleaning and disinfecting is explained by MedlinePlus.

3. Use a mouthed-toy bin. Put toys a child chews in a separate bin. Wash and sanitize those toys daily. ChildCareEd suggests this in courses like Shoo, Germs! Don't Bother Me!.

4. Follow illness checks and exclusion rules. Use an illness chart to decide who should stay home. See the Illness Exclusion Quick Reference Chart for clear guidance.

How should we remind staff and parents about seasonal illnesses this fall?

1. Make a short fall memo for families that lists 3 actions: vaccinate, watch for symptoms, and stay home when sick. The CDC recommends annual flu shots; link families to Preventing Seasonal Flu.

2. Share quick tips with staff at a meeting. Use bullet points and role-play how to separate a child with sniffles. ChildCareEd resources like Germs Happen! give practical scripts.

3. Post visible signs: where to wash hands, how long to scrub, and when to use tissues. Also post your sick policy and emergency contacts. For templates, check ChildCareEd’s Emergency Form.

4. Remind families about extra steps after a child returns: mask for 5 days indoors if needed and good hand hygiene. CDC guidance on respiratory illness prevention is helpful: Preventing Respiratory Illnesses.

What can we do to prevent slips, trips, and falls on wet fall days?

1. Improve housekeeping. Clean spills right away and mark wet floors with signs. Use a wet-floor sign when mopping. You can find printable signs and ideas here: Wet Floor Signs.

2. Check walkways at arrival and dismissal times: remove wet leaves, rugs, and boots that clutter the door area. Good lighting and clear paths reduce trips.

3. Use safe floor treatments and mats that lie flat. Secure rugs and check that carpeting has no wrinkles. The CCOHS guide lists simple prevention steps: Prevention of Slips, Trips and Falls.

4. Encourage proper footwear and slow walking. Teach children to step carefully indoors during wet weather. Staff should model safe walking and quick clean-up routines.

5. Add a short checklist for rainy days: 1) place welcome mat outside, 2) set a boots bin, 3) post wet-floor sign if needed. These five steps make drop-off safer.

How do we avoid common mistakes and handle tricky situations?

Common mistakes and quick fixes:

1. 🔸 Forgetting to sanitize mouthed toys — fix: keep a labeled bin and set a time to wash daily.
2. 🧼 Skipping handwashing at key times — fix: staff reminders and handwashing charts at sinks.
3. ⚠️ Leaving wet floors unmarked — fix: use wet-floor signs and clean spills immediately.
4. 📋 Not updating parents about sick policy — fix: send a clear, short notice each season.
5. 🔍 Assuming children will tell when they feel sick — fix: do a morning health check and watch behavior (sleepy, pale, rash).

When to call parents or send a child home: follow your exclusion chart. If a child has fever, vomiting, or contagious illness signs, contact the family and separate the child in a supervised, comfy place. For step-by-step training, consider ChildCareEd’s Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases.

FAQ

1. Q: How long should children wash hands? A: At least 20 seconds. Sing a short song twice.
2. Q: Can we use sanitizer instead of soap? A: Use sanitizer when soap and water are not available. It should be at least 60% alcohol.
3. Q: What if a toy is mouthed during the day? A: Put it in the mouthed-toy bin and clean it before reuse.
4. Q: When should we use wet-floor signs? A: Anytime a floor is wet or slippery from rain, spills, or cleaning.
5. Q: Where to learn more? A: ChildCareEd courses and CDC pages linked above offer reliable guidance.

Conclusion

Use these fall reminders as a quick checklist for every day. Simple acts — handwashing, cleaning mouthed toys, marking wet floors, and telling families your policies — make a big difference. Keep it visible, keep it short, and practice the steps with staff and children. For more tools and printable resources, visit ChildCareEd and the CDC links above. Stay safe this season and remember: small routines protect many. #safety #fall