As the weather cools down and the leaves begin to fall, so does the start of cold and flu season. At Kare-A-Lot Childcare, keeping our children and families healthy is always a top priority. With young children learning, playing, and exploring together every day, germs can spread quickly—but with proper prevention and hygiene practices, we can keep illnesses to a minimum.
Here’s how we help protect our little learners and how parents can support healthy habits at home, too!
Understanding Cold and Flu Season
The cold and flu season typically runs from October through March, when viruses thrive in cooler, indoor environments. Children are especially susceptible because their immune systems are still developing—and because they love to share (sometimes even their germs!).
The good news is that there are simple, effective ways to reduce the spread of illness both at home and in childcare settings.
Prevention Starts with Good Hygiene Habits
At Kare-A-Lot Childcare, we teach and model healthy hygiene every day. Encouraging good habits early helps children understand that taking care of their bodies keeps them feeling strong and happy.
Here are a few of the hygiene practices we emphasize:
1. Frequent Handwashing:
We wash hands before meals, after outdoor play, after bathroom use, and after sneezing or coughing. Children are taught to use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds—that’s about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice!
2. Covering Coughs and Sneezes:
We teach children to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue or their elbow (“the sneeze pocket”) to help stop germs from spreading.
3. Avoiding Face Touching:
It’s natural for little ones to rub their eyes or touch their faces, but we gently remind them that hands carry germs—and keeping them away from their face helps prevent sickness.
4. Using Personal Items:
Each child has their own labeled water bottle, nap mat, and blanket to avoid cross-contact of germs.
Our Daily Cleaning and Sanitizing Routine
Parents can feel confident knowing that Kare-A-Lot Childcare follows strict cleaning and sanitization protocols year-round, with even more attention during cold and flu season.
Here’s what we do daily to keep our center safe:
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Disinfecting toys and learning materials: We sanitize shared items—like blocks, play kitchens, and art tools—throughout the day.
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Wiping down high-touch surfaces: Door handles, tables, and light switches are cleaned multiple times daily.
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Sanitizing restrooms and diaper areas: These are disinfected regularly using child-safe, EPA-approved cleaning products.
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Fresh air circulation: Weather permitting, we open windows and use air purifiers to keep air fresh and reduce airborne germs.
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Deep cleaning routines: Each evening, the center receives a thorough cleaning, ensuring a fresh start for every new day.
Healthy Habits for Stronger Immune Systems
Preventing illness isn’t just about cleaning—it’s also about strengthening the body’s natural defenses. We encourage families to help children build healthy immune systems through good nutrition and rest.
At Kare-A-Lot Childcare, we:
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Serve balanced meals and snacks rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
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Emphasize hydration—plenty of water throughout the day helps flush out toxins.
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Prioritize nap and quiet time, giving children’s bodies the rest they need to recharge.
Parents can support this at home by maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, offering nutrient-rich foods, and making sure children dress appropriately for changing weather.
Working Together to Keep Everyone Healthy
The best defense against illness is teamwork between families and our childcare staff. We kindly ask parents to:
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Keep children home when they’re sick or showing symptoms.
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Notify us of any illnesses so we can take appropriate precautions.
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Encourage rest and recovery at home to prevent spreading germs.
By working together, we can create a healthy environment where every child can thrive—even during cold and flu season.
Final Thoughts
At Kare-A-Lot Childcare, the health and safety of our students always come first. Through strong hygiene habits, thorough cleaning routines, and family partnerships, we help ensure our classrooms remain a place where children can learn, play, and grow—all while staying happy and healthy.
Because when children feel their best, they learn their best!