Learning About Hygiene Plans for Kindergartens

 

Not only during the corona crisis but hygiene in kindergartens is also of utmost importance. Detailed hygiene plans are important to protect educators and children from infectious diseases. The hygiene plan prescribed by law, individually drawn up for each facility, includes protective and hygiene measures with regard to equipment, organization, and individual implementation on the part of the pedagogical staff, the management, and the children.

The article does not constitute legal advice. We always check the contents of our contributions with the utmost care, but we cannot assume any liability for their topicality, completeness, and correctness.

What is a hygiene plan?

A hygiene plan is the written elaboration of all protective and hygiene measures necessary for an institution against infectious diseases or their prevention. It contains regulations on cleaning intervals, type of cleaning (such as carpet cleaning) and the cleaning agent or disinfectant to be used.

The current hygiene plan should be reviewed and revised annually.

How is a hygiene plan drawn up?

Many cities and counties offer sample hygiene plans for free download. These patterns are then individually adapted to the respective institution on the basis of a risk assessment. After creation, it must be ensured that all employees and cleaning staff have access to the document in order to be able to implement the measures according to the specifications.

What needs to be considered in the case of novel infectious diseases (Covid-19/coronavirus)?

Hygiene and disinfection are of paramount importance in exceptional situations such as the corona crisis. The addition of existing measures enables an optimal response to new sources of danger. Recommendations from official bodies are now finding their way into the everyday life of the facilities and services to contain the spread of pathogens such as .dem novel coronavirus. Conscientious hand hygiene and adherence to sneeze etiquette are already known; however, wearing a mouth guard turns out to be difficult to implement, especially in early childhood care.

Exceptional situation coronavirus

The large-scale closure of day-care centers is a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The simultaneous operation of emergency groups ensures care for children in systemically important professions. Especially in the emergency care groups, hygiene and regular disinfection of surfaces and door handles are of enormous importance. The wearing of protective masks is recommended if the distance rules cannot be observed, but is extremely difficult or even impossible when dealing with children under 6 years of age.

 

ALSO READ: Why Writing an Essay is Important to Your Academic Success

 

The most important tips for care in the corona crisis:

• Hand disinfection when entering the facility
• Regular, intensive ventilation of the premises
• Increased focus on the playful practice of hand washing with the children
• Cleaning of contact surfaces several times a day (with the disinfectant recommended according to the hygiene plan)
• Parents should observe distance rules when bringing and picking up the children. For this purpose, markings may be placed on the floor of the facility.
• The group should have a maximum size of 5 – 10 children. Group changes are not possible.
• The group is supervised by permanent educators. Changes are not possible.
• Soft toys and blankets should not be used together.
• Drinking vessels and eating utensils should only be used by one person.
• Stagger meal times by groups
• Community masks/everyday masks can be worn depending on the situation if the recommended minimum distance cannot be maintained (at drop-off and pick-up times, for nursing activities such as changing diapers).
• Disposable aprons are recommended for nursing activities.
• No mixing of children in the emergency groups (siblings in a group, no semi-open or open work)
• Increased stay in the outdoor area is recommended.
• Marking of washing and toilet areas per group. so that these areas are only used by persons of a group.
• Group-based drop-off and pick-up times
• In order to trace possible chains of infection, all persons present in the daycare center should be documented daily (children per group, educators per group, external persons, with the exception of parents or persons authorized to pick them up).

Hygiene rules in kindergarten and kindergarten

Clean and, if necessary, disinfect surfaces

The different surfaces in kindergartens and daycare centers require different types of cleaning and disinfection. Changing pads and other areas that need to be disinfected should be made of a material that is not attacked by disinfectants. The recommended cleaning interval for floors and other surfaces is weekly or immediately in case of soiling.

Wash and dry hands thoroughly

Hand washing is important – not only in the business environment. Since hands can leave pathogens on surfaces, regular and proper hand washing and subsequent drying of hands is a safe way to optimally implement the hygiene plan. Disposable towels or personal towels and the recommended washing lotions should be used.

Clean toys weekly

Even with toys, weekly cleaning usually applies. In case of soiling, the toys must be cleaned immediately. Toys and materials for infants should be treated in particular – these must be cleaned daily.

Clean the outdoor area regularly

The cleaning of the outdoor area should not be missing from any hygiene plan. Sand and water play areas should be cleaned as well as playrooms within the facility. Sandboxes should be covered when not in use to avoid contamination by cats and other animals. Water tables and similar experience areas that contain water are filled with drinking water. The regular exchange of water prevents possible contamination.

Basic cleaning of the kindergarten or kindergarten

The so-called basic cleaning covers the entire kindergarten. The thorough cleaning of all surfaces, objects, radiators, shelves, lamps, etc. should be done 2x a year.

Teaching hygiene to children

Of course, a good hygiene concept does not only deal with the cleaning and disinfection of objects and surfaces. This also includes imparting knowledge on the topics of hand washing, hygiene, and cleanliness. In kindergarten and kindergarten, children learn important hygiene rules in dealing with each other as well as in dealing with food, personal hygiene, sneezing, and coughing etiquette. The rule “After the toilet and before eating, do not forget to wash your hands” is one of many hygiene goals that are taught.