Toys
Soft toys that are mouthed or soiled should be laundered prior to use by other children.
True: Machine washable, soft toys that are mouthed or soiled need to be removed from the activity area and put in a specific basket to be laundered before use by another child.
Children must always be changed on the diaper changing surface (table).
False: If children are toilet training or too heavy to lift, they may be diapered standing up in a bathroom or in an area adjacent to the bathroom if allowed by licensing.
Detergent and water is the most useful method for removing germs from surfaces. Additionally, most surfaces will need to be sanitized or disinfected to remove the remaining germs.
True: Cleaning and sanitizing/disinfecting are separate processes
Teachers can decide if they would like to wear gloves to change diapers.
False: Gloves should ALWAYS be worn on both hands during diaper changing times
Children should never be left alone on the changing table.
True: Children should NEVER be left alone on the changing table. One hand must always be placed firmly on the child while the child is on the diaper changing table. At no time should a child be allowed to stand on the diaper changing table.
When washing their hands, children should rub their hands together vigorously with soap and water until lather appears, for a minimum of 20 seconds.
True: Teachers and children should rub areas between fingers, around nailbeds, under fingernails, jewelry, and back of hands for at least 20 seconds (sing Happy Birthday twice).
Bedding needs to be cleaned at least monthly.
False: Bedding needs to be cleaned at least weekly or before use by another child or if soiled.
Name 2 times during the day that teachers should wash their hands.
Upon entering any classroom throughout the day Before and After Preparing or serving food or beverages, including infant bottles Eating or handling food, or feeding a child Playing in water, including using the water table or swimming Administering/taking medication or applying a medical ointment or cream in which a break in the skin (e.g., sores, cuts, or scrapes) may be encountered; Diapering Handling any raw food that requires cooking, e.g., meat, eggs, poultry After: Handling fresh fruits and vegetables
The toys and basins of water tables should be washed and sanitized after each use
True: The toys and basins need to be washed and sanitized after each use. Children should also wash their hands before and after play. Children with cuts, rashes, sores, or broken skin on their hands and legs should not play in the water tables.
Children that are toilet training should be given a reward when they use the potty to reinforce the practice.
False: Children should not be coerced, bribed, punished, shamed, or reprimanded during toilet training.
The use of dishwashers is an acceptable way to sanitize plastic toys, as long as dishes and cutlery are not washed at the same time.
True: Dishwashers are a great way to sanitize plastic toys as long as dishes and cutlery are not washed at the same time
Children wearing diapers or who are toilet training should be checked at least every two hours when awake and upon awakening
True: Teachers should check children’s diapers or training pants at least every two hours or sooner if needed.
If faucets do not shut off automatically, they should be turned off with a disposable paper or single-use cloth towel.
True: There are germs on the faucet, so a disposable paper towel or single-use cloth towel should be used to turn the faucet off.
It is a good practice to store the children’s bedding all together in one basket for easier access during nap time.
False: Children’s bedding should be kept separate from others, on the bed, or stored individually to prevent the spread of illness.
Pull-ups and potty chairs are encouraged to support a child’s success with toilet training
False: Underwear/training pants allow children the sensory experience of being wet, which encourages success. Potty chairs are not used at Bright Horizons for health and safety reasons
Food prep and serving surfaces, including tables, should be cleaned and sanitized with a sponge before and after use.
False: Food prep and serving surfaces should be cleaned and sanitized using paper towels or microfiber towels BEFORE and AFTER use. Paper towels should be thrown away, and microfiber towels laundered after EACH use. Sponges should not be used for cleaning surfaces as they harbor bacteria.