Daycare Germs

Summary

In Daycare germs: What you need to know is an article that summarizes about how to prevent daycare germs. The article briefly mentioned about some of the common symptoms that cause a toddler to get sick. Some common symptoms can be a runny nose, low-grade fever, rashes, diarrhea, conjunctivitis (pink eye) or hand, foot and mouth disease. In fact, Henry Ukpeh, a paediatrician in BC confirms that it’s normal for toddlers to get sick in a child care (Waverman, 2014). Ukpeh advises parents to allow their children to get enough sleep, eat nutritious food and always wash your toddler’s hands. In the article, there were two important people that were discussed and they both highlighted the key ideas of preventing germs. Kate Mason, an Early

Childhood Educator in Sudbury, Ontario who works in a daycare shortly talks about prevention of germs and what to do it about it before it gets worse. Lastly, Michelle Richea a Toronto naturopathic doctor and a mother of a two- year- old daughter (Anderson, 2016). She listed down some things parents can do to support a toddler’s immune system. To break the germ cycle, you have to serve your child food that contains rich in protein, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D and probiotics (Anderson, 2016). If any these don’t work out for the toddler then the parent should consider giving those drops or chewable tablets. These medications should contain the important supplement that's needed for the toddler’s immune system and break down the germs cycle.

Reflection
Parents should be aware of the environment in the daycare and the variety of germs that can be contacted with the toddlers.

Henry Ukpeh confirms that it’s normal for toddlers to get sick due to the weather, germs by others or unhygienic of objects or materials used in class. Ukpeh mentioned how the common places to get toddlers sick are daycare centers. She says “the perfect environment for the transmission of viruses” (Anderson, 2016, p. 2). This quote is true because in a daycare several children attend and may have different kinds of illnesses that can be contagious or harmful to others. There were many illnesses found in a daycare center, including the common cold, stomach bugs, pink eye or hand, foot and mouth disease are caused by viruses (Anderson, 2016). These viruses can be contagious and easily spread through direct and indirect transmissions. For example, wiping their nose, sneezing, coughing, touching or sharing toys with others (Anderson, 2016). Toddlers who are sick shouldn’t be permitted to come to school because it may be contagious and spread to others. Germs can be good and bad for our health, but it’s pretty harmful to young children because their immune system is not well-developed. However, to prevent toddlers from getting sick is to make them wash their hands as soon as they get home, as well as before they eat or interact with siblings (Anderson,

2016).

Early Childhood Educator
As an Early Childhood Educator, I would have a small activity demonstrating how to prevent germs and become a healthy well-being. To prevent from getting a cold or a fever, I would advise my children the procedure or blow your nose, coughing and sneezing in the proper way. During the tutorial, I would show each individual how to do each step so they can prevent others from getting sick. In addition, I will send each child a brochure to take home and show to their parents about hygiene, which includes preventing viruses, bacteria, and parasites. As a parent, if my child is ailing then I won’t allow them to go to school until (he/she) gets better. I will take my child to the doctors and get medication that cures them of their illness.