GLASSLIPER
Global Language Acquisition Supports for
Spanish Language Immersion Programs through Early Relationships
SANITIZING & DISINFECTING
To prepare for EXTREME hygiene the first step is to reduce the number of materials in the classroom. Consider how many children will be attending and their ages. Take out the group activities and set up individual trays, rugs and table activities (see social distancing link). Set up a teacher sanitation station where children can return the materials to be washed or sprayed before returning them to the shelf.
The sanitation station can be a long table with taped squares for children to set the materials inside the marked space. The children can wipe them off with soap and water when they set them on the table if needed. The teacher can spray them with the sanitizer and leave them to air dry, or wipe them down and return them to the shelf ready to use. If there are items that must be washed (dishes, cloths) then a replacement supply should be ready. Items for the dishwasher should go into a dishpan or tub. Items for the laundry can go into a hamper or basket.
The advantage of using a long table is that the containers can be located underneath for easy access. The replacement supplies can be available in clear covered boxes so staff can easily see where to find the items.
At the beginning of the day before the children arrive, all the materials can be sprayed and allowed to air dry. Do the same at the end of the day. Set up individual spaces with "invitations to play". We also call these "provocations" which is material set up in a way that is aesthetically pleasing, but also ready for open-ended exploration. They can be preset on rugs and tables, or set up on trays to carry away from the shelf. If children have assigned tables and rugs, then all the materials can be on trays or in containers to carry to their personal space.
During the day, individual children can help the teacher with laundry after they have washed their hands. If the children are not already wearing an apron as part of the PPE (see PPE link) then having them put on a clean apron can signify that their hands are clean and they are the designated helper. If this is a shared apron, then it must be put in the dirty clothes hamper when the child completes their task.
Disinfectant vs Sanitizer
What is the difference between sanitizing and disinfecting a surface? If you read the product bottle, you will usually find different procedures for each purpose. The first thing all staff must learn is to read the EPA product label directions! Always use the product spray bottle (refill and replace sprayer as needed) or attach a label to the bottle that describes the product and application procedures. You can take a picture of the original label and print it on a label, stick it to the spray bottle, then tape over it with clear packaging tape.
My favorite sanitizer only requires 10 seconds before you can wipe it off. That makes it great for cleaning tables quickly while the children step away or go outside. I used to only find it in spray bottle size, but now Home Depot carries the gallon size with an accompanying spray bottle.
In order to clarify the different but related functions of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting to remove germs, “Caring for Our Children" (see pdf ) states that cleaning means physically removing dirt and contamination using soap, water and applying friction, thus exposing any remaining germs on the dry, clean surface. Sanitizing means reducing germs on an inanimate surface or object to a safe level. Disinfecting means destroying germs on an inanimate surface or object. A sanitizer should be used on food contact surfaces or any object that is mouthed. A disinfectant should be used only on diaper changing tables, toilets, countertops, door, and cabinet handles.
Only EPA approved products are acceptable, and all sanitizers and disinfectants must be used according to the instructions on the container in order to be safe. The new recommendation advises us to: use only EPA registered products for sanitizing and disinfecting; follow the manufacturer's instructions for diluting the bleach solution and for the required contact time.
How can children participate in the cleaning process?
Cleaning is removing dirt and grime using soap and water. Even toddlers can participate in this process and they love doing it. Imitating actions they see at home is a privilege, not a chore.
Set-up can be done from the shelf then be sanitized before it is returned, or each child can have their own cleaning set ready to use all day. Small spray bottles need to have the trigger proportionate to the child's hand. When I shop at the dollar stores, I buy all the smallest hand-span triggers because they are often hard to find. Label the bottles with the content. A drop of liquid soap and water is used to clean tables, chairs, and toys. Paper towels can be taken from the dispenser or pre-stacked for each child separately.
Small color coded totes can also be found at the dollar store. Each child can have their own tote with a spray bottle and a stack of paper towels. They need to be shown to use only 1 towel at a time.
After the child cleans their table or materials they used, the teacher gets to sanitize or disinfect. Labels or sanitizing stations need to be ready for children to use to let staff know they are clean and ready for the next step.
EXPECTATION: You can clean and the teacher can disinfect when you are at a safe distance.
General Use Cleaning Station
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This cleaning station is set up ready to use by any child. The cloth towels are used once, put into the dirty cloths hamper, and then replaced with a new towel.
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For extreme hygiene, use only one bottle per tote with 3-5 paper towels. When done using, the child must place the tote in the sanitation station for the teacher to spray and let air dry. Then the staff refills the paper towels and replaces the tote on the shelf.
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Individual option: Each child has their own tote that they keep by their table or in a personal cubby. To refill the spray bottle, they can ask the teacher for a drop of soap and then fill the bottle with water. They can count 5 paper towels from the dispenser to replenish the tote.
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For children to sanitize their own personal use items, vinegar and water can be provided in a spray bottle.
Shared Cleaning Tools
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Before children put away the cleaning tools they use, they can clean them by spraying with soap and water, then wiping with a paper towel.
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If you want to use extreme caution, the child can bring them to the sanitize station for the teacher to spray before they are replaced.
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Don't forget that the staff needs to clean out the carpet sweeper dustpan and soak the mop head in Clorox every day!
Reusable Options
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Extreme hygiene does not require always using disposable products
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Sponges are not recommended, but crocheted rings or face scrubbers can be washed after each use. They hold up well over time and do not retain as much water or germs as sponges.
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Screw-on mop heads allow for easier cleaning or "jerga" (Mexican scrub cloth) can be used with a clip handle and replaced after each use.
DISINFECTANT FOGGERS
Larger schools have said they are using foggers and a natural disinfectant product. Here are some samples of foggers.
The recommended disinfectant is not listed as a sanitizer but says it is effective for all environments. Aquaox 275 requires 10 minutes minimum with air dry preferred. For the beginning and the end of the day, this can be a great way to quickly disinfect the entire school while children are not present.
