The Learning Ladder

A Reading and Writing Curriculum for Early Care and Education Teachers, Children and Families

Module 5: Health and Safety in Early Care and Education Programs

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Healthy Classrooms

Girl washing hands Working in a program that cares for children exposes both children and adults to germs that cause illnesses. Here are three simple ways that we can reduce sickness in our programs:

Fresh air

Every day, open windows and get new air into your classroom. This will remove some of the germs that can stay in the air.

Cleaning of classroom surfaces and toys

Careful and routine cleaning of classroom surfaces and toys also reduces the spread of germs. It is important that we use a mixture of bleach and water to make sure that we disinfect our classrooms. Centers supply their classrooms with spray bottles that contain a solution (one part bleach to ten parts water) to make sure that they clean the surfaces and toys well. This method can keep things free of germs and infection.

Washing hands

The best way to try to stop the spread of infectious diseases is by handwashing. When children and staff wash their hands often, they reduce the risk of infecting themselves and others with the germs that they are carrying on their hands.

There are 4 simple steps to washing hands for adults and children to follow:

Put your hands under warm, running water. Don't use a tub of water for the entire class to use. Using the same container of water can give germs to others.
Use soap. Liquid soap is best.
You must rub your hands together a number of times. This action removes germs. Put your hands under warm, running water and rinse hands well.
Dry your hands with a paper towel. Do not use the towel again or give it to someone else to use. Turn the water off using a paper towel, not your clean hands. Throw the towel away.

When should children wash their hands?

before eating or drinking
after using the toilet
after coming in from the playground
after coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose

When should teachers wash their hands?

arriving at the center
before eating or handling food
before feeding a child
after diapering and toileting
after cleaning
after caring for a sick child


If you finished the reading, go to the activities for Part 4.