Teach and remind about hand washing in early care and education says CDC

Teach and remind about hand washing in early care and education says CDC

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 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:-


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.