Hand Washing Policy for Common Ground ChildCare

At Common Ground Child Care, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness to ensure the health and safety of children, staff, and visitors. This hand washing policy is designed to meet the requirements of the Virginia state licensing standards and the additional guidelines required for state subsidy vendors.

Purpose:

Proper hand hygiene is essential to preventing the spread of infectious diseases. This policy outlines the procedures that must be followed by all staff, children, and visitors in the facility.

When to Wash Hands:

1. For Staff:

   • Upon arriving at the facility.

   • Before and after preparing, handling, or serving food.

   • Before and after assisting a child with eating.

   • After using the toilet, helping a child use the toilet, or changing diapers.

   • After coming into contact with body fluids (e.g., blood, nasal secretions, vomit, urine, feces).

   • After handling animals or animal-related materials.

   • Before and after administering medication or providing first aid.

   • After handling garbage or cleaning.

   • Whenever hands are visibly dirty.

2. For Children:

   • Upon arriving at the facility.

   • Before and after eating meals or snacks.

   • After using the toilet or having their diaper changed.

   • After playing outside.

   • After touching animals or animal-related materials.

   • After sneezing, coughing, or wiping their nose.

   • Whenever hands are visibly dirty.

Hand Washing Procedure:

1. Use soap and clean, running water:

   • Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).

   • Apply soap and lather by rubbing hands together. Ensure to scrub the back of hands, between fingers, and under nails.

   • Scrub for at least 20 seconds. A good measure is to hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice.

2. Rinse hands thoroughly:

   • Rinse hands under clean, running water to remove soap and germs.

3. Dry hands:

   • Use a clean towel or an air dryer to dry hands completely.

4. Use paper towels to turn off faucets and open doors:

   • To prevent recontamination, use a paper towel when turning off the faucet and when opening doors after hand washing.

Additional Guidelines:

• Supervision for Younger Children: Staff must assist young children who are unable to wash their hands independently, ensuring that they follow the proper hand washing steps.

• Hand Sanitizer Use:

  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (at least 60% alcohol) can be used in place of hand washing if soap and water are not available, except when hands are visibly dirty or after using the toilet or handling diapers.

  • Hand sanitizers should only be used under the direct supervision of staff and should not replace regular hand washing.

• Post-Diapering Hand Washing: After diapering a child, staff members must wash their hands and the child's hands thoroughly, even if gloves were used during the diaper change.

Compliance and Enforcement:

• Staff will receive training on this hand washing policy during orientation and annually thereafter.

• Regular hand washing observations will be conducted to ensure compliance.

• Failure to follow the hand washing policy may result in corrective action.

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as needed to remain in compliance with Virginia state licensing standards and state subsidy vendor requirements. The last review was done the date this post was published. The last changes were made September 10, 2024.

By adhering to this hand washing policy, Common Ground Child Care ensures a healthy, safe, and clean environment for all children and staff