Hello Academy families! We want to thank you all for the love and generosity you have shown all of the staff here at the Academy of Westhaven! You all have blown us away by your constant support. :)
We want to reassure you that we are continuing to deep clean and sanitize all areas of the school. The teachers have worked to fight off the germs, and have been amazing at helping all of the littles wash their hands consistently. If you give your little ones the basics and make hand washing a part of their daily routine at school and home, it will become ingrained in them before they reach school age. It will also help to cut down on the spread of germs and hopefully minimize illness. Here are a few tips to help you and your little with handwashing at home:
When To Wash Hands:
-Before we touch food or help cook/prepare food
-Before we eat food
-Before we brush/floss our teeth
-Before we put a bandage on a cut
-Before visiting sick, elderly or very young babies so not to spread germs/infection
-After using the bathroom or changing diapers
-After coughing, sneezing, blowing our nose
-After we come inside after playing outdoors
-After being together with someone who is sick or not feeling well
-After playing with our pets
-After helping to cook/prepare food
-After throwing thing into the garbage can
-After going to the doctor, hospital, dentist or other medical appointment
-Anytime they get messy!
-Before we eat food
-Before we brush/floss our teeth
-Before we put a bandage on a cut
-Before visiting sick, elderly or very young babies so not to spread germs/infection
-After using the bathroom or changing diapers
-After coughing, sneezing, blowing our nose
-After we come inside after playing outdoors
-After being together with someone who is sick or not feeling well
-After playing with our pets
-After helping to cook/prepare food
-After throwing thing into the garbage can
-After going to the doctor, hospital, dentist or other medical appointment
-Anytime they get messy!
How to Teach Hand Washing:
-For younger children get a step stool that gives them the ability to safely reach the sink
-Demonstrate and repeat hand washing steps for younger children frequently and monitor them to be -sure they are washing properly, as little ones often need adult assistance to be thorough
-Always have pump soap and/or bar soap available and within reach
-Keep clean towels or paper towels within reach for easy drying
-Teach kids to wash the backs of their hands, palms of their hands, in between fingers, wrists and especially under their fingernails (a small nail brush by the sink is a great idea)
-Tell kids to sing Happy Birthday or the ABC song while washing to give them a general idea of how long to wash (average 15-30 seconds)
-Toddlers and preschoolers enjoy getting stickers put on a chart for hand washing as much as potty training