Children who receive care outside of their homes have a greater risk of infection due to:
- their proximity to children from other households
- sharing of toys
- interest in putting objects in their mouths
- developing immune systems
- need for hands-on care
- need for assistance with using the washroom
- a limited ability to perform hand hygiene
This reference guide was created to provide child care staff with the tools they need to prevent the spread of infections, manage infections, and report infections to Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. It should be used in combination with the child care centre’s infection prevention and control policies and procedures, and any additional advice provided by a Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health representative.
For any questions related to the Quick Reference Guide, please call the Infectious Diseases Team at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4752.
A list of DoPHS with implications for child care centres can be found in the Prevention and Control of Communicable Childhood Illnesses: A Quick Reference Guide for Child Care Centres. This information should be used in in combination with advice from a Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health representative at the time of reporting.
