Fortunately, much can be done to maintain the good health of enrolled children, in particular, to decrease the frequency and spread of infections, and to prevent the occurrence of injuries. Furthermore, there are medical benefits for children in child care centers. They are more likely to be adequately immunized against a number of preventable infections, and they may be evaluated by a health care provider on a more frequent basis, possibly resulting in earlier detection and treatment of developmental or progressive problems, such as ear infections. Child care centers should and do take an active part in teaching children health maintenance skills, including handwashing, healthy eating, first aid self care, and toothbruching. Also, since children in child care centers have more illnesses in early childhood, perhaps reduced illness rates will be seen at later ages in comparison to home-reared children.
All children become ill from time to time.
The University of Virginia Health System Child Care Center actively attempts to decrease and prevent the occurrence of infections in a number of ways. It is important to obtain age-appropriate routine immunizations for children and staff in child care centers. Physical arrangements in the center contribute, in particular, following specific guidelines for diapering and food preparation areas, and maintaining defined groups of children. Emphasis on general hygiene is vital, with handwashing by staff and children being paramount. For most illnesses common to child care centers, the beneficial effect of excluding mildly-ill children from child care has not been demonstrated.