Staying Healthy in Child Care: Preventing Infectious Diseases in Child Care.

This guide provides explanations of control methods for infection and diseases in child care with an emphasis on prevention and health. The guide consists of two parts. The first part covers the following topics on preventing illness in children: how infections spread; handwashing; separation into age groups; nappy changing and toileting; cleaning toys, clothing, and the center; food safety; animals; dealing with spills of blood and other fluids; children's wading pools; immunization; watching for and recording infections in children; exclusion of sick children and staff; occupational risks for child care workers; and the role of public health workers. The second part offers information on specific diseases along with the description, incubation period, infectious period, responsibilities of child care providers and parents, control of the spread of infection, and treatment for specific diseases in the following categories: respiratory complaints, gastrointestinal complaints (diarrhea and vomiting), skin complaints (rashes and bites), and other complaints. A glossary of medical terms is included. Three large size charts regarding changing nappies, when to wash hands, and childhood vaccination schedules are also included with the guide. (Contains 25 references.) (AP)