What are three (3) items or areas which must be cleaned and/or sanitised regularly throughout the day to prevent the spread of infection in an ECIIC centre?
Few environments demand stricter hygiene protocols than an Early Childhood Intervention and Inclusion Centre (ECIIC). With young children, some with compromised immunity or additional needs, the margin for error is slim. That’s why certain items and areas must be cleaned and sanitised multiple times a day—not just once.
Here’s the short version: the top three areas requiring constant attention are hands-on surfaces, nappy change stations, and shared toys. And while that sounds obvious, it’s what happens behind the scenes—frequency, technique, and consistency—that makes all the difference.
What surfaces are touched the most—and need constant cleaning?
We’re talking about what hands touch, mouths explore, and sneeze particles find. These “high-touch” zones are prime real estate for germ transmission. Think:
Door handles
Light switches
Tabletops
Chair backs
Cot rails
Tap handles
Fridge doors
They’re like the social butterflies of bacteria—everyone gets acquainted.
In a real-world centre I worked with in suburban Brisbane, educators used a laminated "touch-point map" showing which surfaces needed sanitising every 2–3 hours. This wasn’t overkill—it was necessary. One child sneezes on a table; the next leans on it during snack time. Multiply that by 15 kids and you’ve got a microbiology experiment in action.
Cleaning protocol tip: Use a two-step process—clean with detergent to remove grime, then disinfect with a child-safe solution. Wipes are handy, but aren’t a replacement for proper scrubbing.
Why are nappy change stations a hotspot for infection?
Because poo. And wee. And often both.
Changing areas are literal biohazard zones if not maintained properly. Every nappy change is an opportunity for cross-contamination—not just between kids, but from hands to surfaces to materials. Contaminants can survive on plastic mats, the change table frame, nearby sinks, and even the bottle of barrier cream if touched with soiled gloves.
A veteran educator once told me, “You could clean that table ten times a day and still worry.” And she’s not wrong.
What needs sanitising after each change?
Change mat
Table surface
Nappy bin lid
Gloves dispenser
Any touched bottles or lotions
Oh—and your hands, even after glove removal. No shortcuts here. Soap and water, then sanitiser.
Are toys really that risky?
Yes—especially when they’re chewed, shared, or slept with.
Children under five explore the world with their mouths and hands. So a toy truck or teething ring becomes a portable petri dish within minutes. Soft toys are particularly sneaky. They absorb moisture, retain heat, and aren’t always washed as often as they should be.
Hard toys? Easier to clean, but still need it after every session or if visibly soiled. Imagine a play session involving a plush toy, a cold, and two toddlers. You want that thing in a sanitising cycle faster than you can say “runny nose.”
Cleaning tip:
Machine wash soft toys at the end of each day (hot wash preferred)
Submerge plastic toys in disinfectant solution or use UV sanitising cabinets where possible
Some centres rotate toys daily to allow for proper cleaning and drying—kind of like a toy “rest day.” Smart move.
How often should cleaning actually happen?
Here’s a general rhythm many centres follow:
Hourly: Hands and high-touch surfaces
After every use: Nappy stations, toys, toilets
Daily (minimum): Floors, walls, furniture, art supplies
Weekly: Carpets (steam clean), curtains, storage bins
But it’s not just about timing—it’s about documentation. Checklists, logs, and team accountability make the system watertight. Parents feel safer, staff stay consistent, and most importantly, kids stay healthier.
Can aged care cleaning standards teach us anything?
Absolutely. Though aged care and childcare seem worlds apart, both deal with vulnerable populations and high-risk hygiene concerns.
The aged care sector has been ahead of the game in infection control—especially post-COVID. Many practices from that field now influence best-practice in ECIIC centres: from colour-coded cleaning cloths to microfibre mop systems and air purification.
For example, facilities that prioritise Aged Care Cleaning Services often deploy structured cleaning schedules and advanced surface testing—standards that early education centres can borrow from to lift their hygiene game.
FAQ
Q: Should children help with cleaning?
Yes, in age-appropriate ways. It builds responsibility. For example, children can put toys in a “cleaning tub” after use.
Q: What sanitiser is safe for use around young children?
Use alcohol-free, food-safe options approved by the Australian TGA. Avoid anything with strong fumes or harsh chemicals.
Q: How do you prevent cleaning fatigue among staff?
Automate what you can (like checklists), rotate tasks, and make it a visible, shared routine. Social proof helps—if one educator is diligent, others follow.
At the end of the day, ECIIC centres aren’t trying to create sterile labs. They’re nurturing environments filled with giggles, snacks, and messy play. But a well-executed cleaning routine lets that magic happen—without the germs tagging along.
Borrowing systems used in Aged Care Cleaning Services is one way to elevate hygiene protocols while keeping the focus where it belongs: on the kids.