Reinforce message with posters and reminders
Hand washing with soap and water is described as “One of the most important steps to keep staff and children in schools and early care and education (ECE) programs healthy” in guidance published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Called Hand Hygiene in School and Early Care and Education, the article presents a huge win for properly taught and implemented washing programmes: fewer missed school days and a significant reduction in gastrointestinal and respiratory illness.
“Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for cleaning hands with soap and water” says the guidance, with the latter being deemed the best way of carrying out effective hand hygiene.
The importance of promoting hand washing
The CDC guidance stresses the importance of setting aside regular times for handwashing teaching and implementation during the preschool or nursery day.
“Teach and reinforce handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.”
It’s a good idea to place visual clues including posters and stickers around any educational facility says the article.
Hand Hygiene in School and Early Care and Education »
Free handwashing downloads for preschool children
Free handwashing posters and leaflets for preschool
Teal has also produced a range of handwashing posters and booklets that are available to download and print free of charge, that can be made available for all younger children.
They include:-
- A4 how to wash your hands poster »
- A series of A4 posters depicting the five stages of hand washing »
- How to wash your hands – a step-by-step guide »
- “I can wash my hands after going to the toilet” certificate »
- “I can wash my hands before eating” certificate »
Portable hand wash units for children can be used both indoors and out
The Kiddiwash range of warm water hand wash units are perfect for smaller hands – and are ideal where a portable solution is required.
Whether you require a larger wheeled unit such as the KiddiSynk, or the ultra portable Kiddiwash Xtra, you can ensure that all children in your care are able to wash their hands whether inside or out.
Hand washing – the most important lesson a child can learn!
Hand washing with soap and water is an essential lifelong skill. Here, children in your care can learn the ten simple steps that show how to wash hands effectively.
