This manual, Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings and Schools, is to be used to inform administrators, childcare providers, caregivers, parents and guardians, and school health staff about specific infectious disease problems they may encounter in the childcare setting or in schools. It is designed to provide specific disease prevention and control guidelines, which are consistent with the national standards put forth by the American Public Health Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The number of families with young children in out-of-home childcare has been steadily increasing. A variety of infections have been documented in children attending childcare, sometimes with spread to caregivers and to others at home. Infants and preschool-aged children are very susceptible to contagious diseases because they 1) have not been exposed to many infections, 2) have little or no resistance to these infections, and 3) have not received any or all of their vaccinations.
Close physical contact for extended periods of time, inadequate hygiene habits, and underdeveloped immune systems place children attending childcare settings at increased risk of infection. For instance, the spread of diarrheal disease may readily occur with children and students in diapers due to inadequate handwashing, environmental sanitation practices, and diaper changing.
The sixth edition of this manual contains 54 disease fact sheets for providers about specific infectious disease problems. Some indicate when immediate action is necessary. Please note that on the PROVIDER fact sheets for any diseases labeled "REPORTABLE", the provider MUST consult with the LOCAL or STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT. After receiving approval from the local or state health department, the PARENT/GUARDIAN fact sheets would be posted or distributed to the parents/guardians.
In addition to the provider fact sheets, 47 of the fact sheets are available in a format specifically for parents/guardians of childcare and school-aged children. PARENT/GUARDIAN is written in the upper right hand corner.
Prepared by: Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department - Epidemiology.
