Cleaning & Disinfecting
“Explain the correct sequence for cleaning and then disinfecting a surface. Why must disinfectant be allowed to air dry?”
Clean with soap/water first, then apply disinfectant. Disinfectant must air dry for full effectiveness.
Scenario: A plush toy is placed in a toddler classroom and becomes soiled.
“How must it be handled based on policy?”
Must be laundered and dried in a hot dryer weekly or sooner if soiled.
“How often must fire drills be conducted, and what information must be documented for each drill?”
Monthly. Must document date/time, weather, number of children/staff, and total evacuation time.
“What does it mean to ‘create a yes environment’ in the classroom?”
Offer children choices of what they can do instead of focusing on what they can't.
“What must staff check before releasing a child to an adult who is unfamiliar to them?”
Check Emergency Contact Information form and verify unknown individuals’ identity with photo ID.
Scenario: A reviewer observes a spray bottle of bleach solution sitting on a shelf in the classroom.
“What should be done immediately, and what are the storage requirements for bleach and spray bottles?”
Bleach solution must be stored in a locked cabinet out of children’s reach; bottles cannot sit on shelves.
“According to the policy, how often must sleeping devices (cribs/cots/mats) be disinfected, and how often must linens be laundered?”
Sleeping surfaces disinfected daily; linens laundered weekly or as needed.
“When must evacuation procedures and exit accessibility be reviewed and posted?”
Annually as part of monitoring and must be clearly visible and accessible.
“Give an example of stating rules positively rather than negatively.”
“Please walk” instead of “Don’t run.”
Scenario: A parent with supervised visitation per court order attempts to pick up the child, and the custodial guardian verbally says it’s okay.
“How must staff respond?”
Court orders cannot be overridden verbally. Child may NOT be released. Must follow the order exactly.
“How often must toys be disinfected in EHS (infant and toddler) rooms, and when must toys be disinfected regardless of age group?”
After being mouthed or soiled immediately; at least daily for EHS; at least weekly for HS.
“How often must lockdown drills occur, and who is responsible for overseeing them?”
Quarterly; overseen by Center Director or designee.
Scenario: A reviewer observes you telling a child, ‘Don’t grab toys.’
“What is the positive guidance–aligned alternative the reviewer would expect?”
Say: “Use gentle hands” or “Let’s take turns with the toy.”
Scenario: No court orders exist, but the enrolling guardian tells you not to release the child to the other biological parent.
“What must staff explain, and what steps must be taken?”
Explain that legal paperwork is required to restrict a biological parent’s access; refer family to court; consult FSC/Director.
Scenario: During a walkthrough, a reviewer notices no bleach solution was prepared fresh that morning.
“What is the required bleach-to-water ratio for daily preparation, and how often must new solution be made?”
¼ cup bleach per gallon OR 1 tbsp per quart; must be prepared fresh daily. Must be labeled with date
Scenario: A reviewer asks you to show them where the evacuation routes, fire alarms, and extinguishers are posted.
“How do you respond, and where must these diagrams be located?”
Staff must show posted diagrams near each classroom and exit door.
Scenario: A child becomes frustrated and throws blocks.
“How do you apply positive guidance strategies to support problem-solving and self-control?”
Acknowledge feelings, guide to safer choices, offer problem-solving help, reinforce limits calmly.
Scenario: A biological parent with no prior relationship to the child arrives unannounced and requests pick-up.
“What must staff do according to policy?”
Do not release child. Contact FSC/Director. Safety concerns override biological relationship.
Scenario: You are cleaning up a spill of blood on the floor.
“Walk me through the universal precautions required, including disposal.”
Gloves on, clean spill, disinfect with bleach solution, clean tools, dispose of materials in tied plastic bag.
Scenario: A staff member says they completed evacuation training ‘a few years ago.’
“What is the required training frequency, and when might additional training be required?”
Annually, or more often as needed (e.g., new staff monthly).
Reviewer-style:
“Explain how you use developmentally appropriate expectations to guide children’s behavior, and why this is essential in HS/EHS settings.”
Match expectations to age; avoid unrealistic demands; model skills; support self-regulation.
Scenario: A child is not picked up at closing time.
“What is the required procedure over the first hour, and what must occur once one hour has passed?”
Call guardians 3 times over 15-minute intervals. After 1 hour, contact DHS Child Abuse Hotline. Keep child safe until parent/authorities arrive.