Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting in Child Care Settings

Proper cleaning and sanitation are important to insuring that children attending a child care program remain healthy by reducing the risk of illness be decreasing bacteria, viruses, fungi and mold. Young children sneeze, cough, drool, and regularly need diapers or assistance with toileting. They hug, kiss, touch everything, put things in their mouths and spread germs. Young children’s immune systems are immature and as a result children tend to experience colds and other illnesses more frequently than older children and adults, especially when they spend time in child care. The Wisconsin Child Care Certification and Licensing Rules (DCF 202, 250 and 251) require that diaper changing surfaces be cleaned and disinfected between diaper changes. The Group Child Care Licensing Rules (DCF 251) require that dishes and utensils be cleaned and sanitized after use.