3.16.1.8: Toy Cleaning Policy and Procedure
- Page ID
- 41699
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Toy Cleaning Policy and Procedure
Purpose
This policy ensures that toys and play materials are cleaned and sanitized regularly to reduce the risk of spreading germs and illnesses, providing a safe and healthy environment for children and staff.
Policy Statement
All toys used in the program must be cleaned and sanitized regularly according to the type of toy and frequency of use. Toys that are mouthed, soiled, or otherwise contaminated will be cleaned immediately after use. Staff will follow the outlined procedures to maintain high hygiene standards.
Frequency of Toy Cleaning
- Daily: High-touch toys and items used by multiple children.
- Weekly: Non-mouthed toys that are not visibly soiled.
- After Use: Toys that have been mouthed, soiled, or contaminated with bodily fluids.
- As Needed: Toys showing visible dirt or grime.
Toy Cleaning Procedure
1. Gather Cleaning Supplies
Ensure the following materials are available:
- Warm, soapy water (mild detergent).
- Approved disinfectant solution (e.g., diluted bleach solution: 1 tablespoon of bleach per 1 gallon of water) or EPA-approved child-safe disinfectant.
- Clean towels or disposable paper towels.
- Gloves (optional, for handling heavily soiled items).
2. Cleaning Steps by Toy Type
Non-Porous Toys (e.g., plastic, rubber, or metal):
- Rinse the toy with warm, soapy water to remove dirt and debris.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Sanitize with an approved disinfectant.
- Air dry completely before returning to play areas.
Mouthed Toys:
- Clean immediately after use.
- Follow the same steps as for non-porous toys, ensuring thorough disinfection.
Porous Toys (e.g., cloth, fabric):
- Launder in a washing machine using hot water and a gentle detergent.
- Dry completely in a dryer on a high heat setting.
- Avoid sharing these toys between children until cleaned.
Electronic Toys:
- Wipe down with a damp cloth containing mild soap, avoiding excess water near electrical components.
- Use disinfectant wipes or sprays specifically designed for electronics.
- Allow to air dry before use.
Books and Paper-Based Materials:
- Wipe covers with a damp cloth if soiled.
- Do not disinfect paper pages; discard books that are heavily soiled or cannot be wiped clean.
3. Handling and Storage
- Cleaned toys must be stored in designated bins or shelves to avoid contamination.
- Separate used or soiled toys in a labeled "To Be Cleaned" bin until sanitized.
Staff Responsibilities
- Daily: Staff are responsible for cleaning toys at the end of each day or as needed.
- Weekly: Deep cleaning of all toys will be scheduled and documented.
- Immediate: Mouthed or soiled toys must be removed from play areas and sanitized immediately.
Safety Precautions
- Always follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting toys.
- Ensure that cleaning solutions are properly labeled and stored out of children’s reach.
- Allow toys to dry completely before returning them to children to prevent chemical exposure.
Compliance
Staff are expected to adhere to this policy. Failure to follow proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures may result in corrective action as it directly impacts the health and safety of children.
This policy ensures a clean and hygienic play environment while aligning with best practices for early childhood programs.