Preventing Common Childhood Illnesses in Group Care Settings
When young children spend time together in child care settings, they naturally share more than toys and laughter—they can also share germs. Because toddlers and preschoolers are still building their immune systems, common illnesses can occur.
At Golden City CDC, Inc., our Child Care Center uses strong health and safety practices to reduce the spread of illness and keep children as healthy as possible.
Why Illness Spreads More Easily in Group Care
Young children are still learning basic hygiene skills, which makes group settings higher-risk for germs. Some common reasons include:
Developing Immune Systems
Children under age five are still building immunity, making them more susceptible to colds, flu, and other illnesses.Close Contact and Shared Spaces
Children play closely together and often share toys, books, and materials that can carry germs.Hand-to-Mouth Behavior
Thumb-sucking, mouthing toys, and touching faces are developmentally normal but increase germ transmission.Limited Awareness of Hygiene
Young children are still learning when and how to wash hands, cover coughs, and avoid spreading germs.
Common Childhood Illnesses in Group Care
Some of the most common illnesses seen in child care settings include:
Common colds
Stomach viruses
Ear infections
Hand, foot, and mouth disease
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Influenza
While these illnesses are usually mild, prevention is key to reducing outbreaks.
How Child Care Centers Help Prevent Illness
Licensed child care programs follow health and safety guidelines designed to protect children, families, and staff.
Daily Health Practices
Providers typically:
Perform daily health checks
Monitor children for signs of illness
Follow exclusion policies for sick children
Handwashing Routines
Children and staff wash hands:
Upon arrival
Before and after meals
After diapering or bathroom use
After outdoor play
After coughing, sneezing, or wiping noses
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Programs regularly:
Sanitize toys and learning materials
Clean high-touch surfaces
Disinfect diapering and food prep areas
Illness Policies
Clear policies help reduce the spread of germs, including:
When children should stay home
When it’s safe to return
Communication with families about exposure
Teaching Healthy Habits
Caregivers help children learn to:
Cover coughs and sneezes
Use tissues properly
Practice gentle hygiene routines
How Parents Can Help Prevent Illness
Parents play an important role in keeping group care environments healthy. You can support prevention by:
Keeping sick children home
Following return-to-care guidelines
Teaching handwashing at home
Keeping vaccinations up to date
Providing enough rest and nutritious meals
Communicating openly with caregivers
Sending a child to care while sick can unintentionally spread illness to others and prolong recovery for your own child.
When to Keep Your Child Home
Children should typically stay home if they have:
Fever
Vomiting or diarrhea
Severe cough or breathing difficulty
Contagious rashes
Eye discharge
Extreme fatigue or discomfort
When in doubt, checking with your child care provider is always best.
Is Frequent Illness Normal?
Yes. It’s common for young children to experience more frequent illnesses, especially during their first year in group care. Over time, children usually:
Build stronger immune systems
Experience fewer illnesses
Recover more quickly
This phase is temporary and often improves as children grow.
Working Together for a Healthy Environment
Preventing illness in child care is a shared effort between families and caregivers. When everyone follows health guidelines and communicates openly, children benefit from a safer and healthier learning environment.
Need More Information?
For more information on how Golden City CDC, Inc., a licensed Child Care Center, supports children and families, please visit:
https://www.goldencitycdc.com/