Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting
Use these resources to help you get a handle on cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting in early childhood programs and reduce the risk of infectious diseases.
Physical Health
Health is the foundation of school readiness. To help children thrive, Head Start staff ensure that children are up to date on immunizations and their state’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) schedule, learn healthy habits, and can access the care they need. Head Start programs also promote the physical and social and emotional well-being of families and staff.
Schedule for Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting
This resource can help in developing a schedule for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Having a schedule reduces the risk of spreading infectious diseases to children, staff, and visitors.
Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Programs: Course Overview
This video shares infection control strategies for creating a healthy environment for children and staff. It also includes an overview of the iPD course, Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Programs.
How to Help Families Experiencing Homelessness Access Quality Health Care for Their Children
This resource describes the health care needs of children experiencing homelessness, and it has tips for helping families access quality health care for their children.
Creating a Staff Wellness Action Plan (SWAP)
A Staff Wellness Action Plan (SWAP) allows your program to be intentional about creating a workplace that values staff wellness, mental health, and physical health. This resource will help you develop your own SWAP.
Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Programs
Learn about strategies to reduce the spread of infectious diseases in Head Start and child care programs.
Moving with the Brain in Mind
Learn how movement activities can support brain development and learning in this two-part course available on the Individualized Professional Development (iPD) Portfolio.
Children’s Vision Health Information for Staff and Families
View this video to learn more about how staff and families can be empowered partners in children’s vision and eye health. Learn how to use Small Steps for Big Vision: An Eye Health Information Tool Kit.
Hearing and Vision Screening
Explore this collection of resources to learn about best practices for hearing and vision screening. Discover strategies to use when talking with families about hearing and vision screening procedures as well as follow-up.
Vision Screening and Eye Health for Toddlers in Head Start Programs
Vision screening throughout early childhood is important to identify and ensure treatment of vision disorders. This resource provides important information about vision screening and eye health for toddlers.