Health, Safety and Nutrition – ECE 1069

Assignment # 2 – Management and Prevention of Contagion

Question 1

Diapering/Toileting: Educators should strictly comply with the IPAC principles and
Routine Practices when it comes to changing diapers and assisting children in using the
toilet (TPH, 2019, p. 11). Educators must be familiar with the routines and the actions to
be taken. Safety is as important as hygiene, educators should never leave the child
unattended on the changing table (Pimento & Kernested, 2018, p. 151). Educators should
gather supplies needed to be used in changing diapers. Remove the soiled diaper, clean,
dry, and apply ointment with facial tissue if necessary; put on a new diaper, wash the
child’s hands and bring the child back to the supervised area (Pimento & Kernested,
2018, p.150). Educators should then disinfect the changing area and dispose of the diaper
and any single-use items used during the change, and of course, wash their hands
properly. It is important that educators follow the rules that the diapering area should
never be used for other reasons to avoid cross-containment, and make sure to clean things
in the designated sink. When assisting children to use the toilet/potty, follow the steps in
the toileting routines (Pimento & Kernested, 2018t, p.p. 152-153); supervise during toilet
use, wipe, flush the toilet, assist the child to wash his/her hands then he/she back to the
supervised area, empty, wash and disinfect if the potty is used; then the educator tidies up
and washes their hands. A crucial step that educators should follow is recording any
bowel movements or skin conditions that require attention. Educators should ensure the
sink is cleaned and disinfected at least once a day; and never be used for preparing food
or washing other things (TPH, 2019, p.12).

Cleaning and Disinfecting: Educators should be familiar with and follow the center’s
cleaning and disinfecting policies. It is the educators’ responsibility to remember what
and when things need to be cleaned and/or disinfected (Pimento & Kernested, 2018, p.p.
154-155). Mouth toys and water tables are to be cleaned and disinfected daily, while
older kids’ toys are cleaned weekly unless they are soiled (Pimento & Kernested, 2018, p.
154). IPCA has highlighted the definitions of cleaning and disinfection, but not everyone
including educators may realize the difference between them; some might even think they
are the same (TPH, 2019, p. 13). Educators must follow the disinfectant products’
instructions, they should never overuse or misuse those products as they could impose
harm to the children, others, and the environment; and store them in a place that is
inaccessible to children. IPCA has listed guidelines on high-touch and low-touch
surfaces, and the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting these areas (TPH, 2019, p. 16).
Handwashing: Educators must recognize handwashing is a simple and economical
means of preventing the spread of germs and diseases. It is the educators’ responsibility
to teach effective handwashing techniques to children and be their role models (Pimento
& Kernested, 2018, p.147). Educators should be familiar with all rules and procedures
for handwashing (TPH, 2019, p. 10). They need to know when and how to wash their and
the children’s hands and judge whether to use soap and water handwashing or hand
sanitizer. The first thing to do when arriving at the center, educators (including parents,
children, and visitors) should wash their hands thoroughly. Use mild soap to clean every
part of the hands, rinse under the running water, then dry with a single-use towel, and
finally use the towel to turn off the tap. The 2 key considerations are having handwashing
facilities in every room installed (TPH, 2019, p.10) and the guidelines, policy, and
handwashing information sheets available (TPH, 2019, p.p. 9-10). Easily accessible
handwashing stations can also be a great reminder for people to wash their hands; and the
information sheets remind educators and others of the proper way of washing hands,
which we sometimes simplify the procedures. Educators have detailed policies and
guidelines to follow, and it helps to clarify any uncertain moments. They are to wash
their hands every time they handle foods before and after, animals, and medication, glove
use; after handling dirty items/coming back from outside, and when first in contact with
children (TPH, 2019, p. 10). “Whenever in doubt” (TPH, 2019, p. 10) is one of the
guidelines to remind educators to be flexible, if you are not sure “WASH your hands”
and wash hands frequently throughout the day.

Question 2

a) What are the indicators that Dembe is probably ill?

The first sign that indicates Dembe is probably ill is sneezing while being outside
playing. After returning from the outside, Dembe starts crying and complains that
his head and tummy hurt. He held his head, put his head down on the table, and
rubbed his forehead, all are behaviors that indicate something is going on. He
doesn’t want to eat, a sign of losing appetite. These are manifestations of physical
and behavioral signs and symptoms of illness (Pimento & Kernested, 2018, p.
172).

b) Since he is showing signs of illness, what needs to occur as far as Dembe

being at the centre? Discuss these protocols in your own words and give the
rationale for them.

Educators should observe the conditions of Dembe, what are his behaviors telling
us (Pimento & Kernested, 2018, p. 174)? Does he have a flushed face? If yes, take
Dembe’s temperature (Pimento & Kernested, 2018, p. 175). Is he showing other
symptoms? Change of behavior is the best indicator. How did Dembe normally
behave in the center? When he was sick the last time, how did he respond?
Dembe can be asked if he wants to lie down or sit at somewhere comfortable. Ask
 Dembe what he wants that can help lower the pain. Does he need to go to the
toilet? Continue to monitor and observe Dembe’s condition, if he has symptoms
that get worse or if any symptoms are listed in the text, the educator should call
911 first then the parents (Pimento & Kernested, 2018, p. 176). Educators should
document Dembe’s condition as it may help the parents and medical professionals
when managing his condition (Pimento & Kernested, 2018, p. 177).

c) Reflect on what you think could be a challenge when to care for a child until
they are picked up from the centre. Explain your response.

The challenge could be that the parents are reluctant to pick up the child, but the
child’s presentation is telling that he/she is unwell and has unusual behaviors. If
the child is having diarrhea or vomiting, how to take care of the child and make
sure contaminated areas or settings can be cleaned and disinfected right away. For
sure, the other educators are willing to assist but they are also busy with other
children and tasks. I guess an action plan should be discussed with other educators
in advance.

d) What types of care and support do you think Dembe need while being ill at
the centre and not yet picked up? Give your rationale for your response.

I will make sure Dembe has an educator to stay with him and be attentive. Dembe
might act much differently than normal; be patient with him. Giving him what he
wants will make him feel better, ex. a teddy bear, or a quiet and comfortable area.
Keep Dembe hydrated if he is willing to drink; hydration is important. Make sure
he pees or has wet diapers. Don’t leave him alone as his condition can suddenly
change.
3. Review the scenarios and explain why (with examples) they are incorrect

Scenario Rationale (explain why is this incorrect?)

After diapering an infant, you carry The educator didn’t wash the infant’s hands
them directly back into the playroom. before returning to the playroom (Pimento &
You put them on the carpet with Kernested, 2018, p.150). The infant might
another infant and an ECE, and you have touched the diaper, the changing area,
return to the change table to clean and or other things and contaminated his/her
disinfect it. hands. Also, have the educator give the
infant clothes or a cover (Pimento &
Kernested, 2018, p. 149). Have the other
educator be properly informed that he/she
needs to take care of the infant returned to
the playroom. Other educators might not
aware that the infant has been left to them.

The preschoolers have come in from The preschoolers didn’t wash their hands
outdoor play and go to find their place after returning from the outside and go
at one of the small group tables for directly for lunch (TPH, 2019, p.10) They
lunch. After eating, you ensure that should have washed their hands before
they go to the sink to wash their hands eating. Their hands can become dirty after
before nap time. playing outside, educators must ensure
children wash their hands after returning
from outside and before eating. It is
important to have the children follow the
routines and maintain personal hygiene that
would benefit them in their lifetimes.