Standard 5: NAEYC Accreditation Criteria for Health Standard

The following chart presents the accreditation criteria for this topic area. Each criterion provides specific details to guide program plans, policies and practices. The criteria are numbered (01, 02, 03, etc.) within their topic area. Each criterion within each program standard is identified by its relevant age group (or groups). Many criteria are identified as "universal" (U), meaning that all classrooms and programs pursuing NAEYC Accreditation must address these criteria. These aspects of quality should be seen in any programs or classrooms serving birth through kindergarten, though they may look somewhat different in practice depending on the children's age.

Age Groups:
U = universal
I = infant
T = toddlers/twos
P = preschool
K = kindergarten

5.C.
Maintaining a Healthful Environment

5.C.01
U   I   T   P   K
The routine frequency of cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces in the facility is as indicated in the Cleaning and Sanitation Frequency Table. Ventilation and sanitation, rather than sprays, air freshening chemicals, or deodorizers, control odors in inhabited areas of the facility and in custodial closets.

5.C.02
U   I   T   P   K
Procedures for standard precautions are used and include the following:

• Surfaces that may come in contact with potentially infectious body fluids must be disposable or made of a material that can be sanitized.
• Staff use barriers and techniques that minimize contact of mucous membranes or of openings in skin with potentially infectious body fluids and that reduce the spread of infectious disease.
• When spills of body fluids occur, staff clean them up immediately with detergent followed by water rinsing.
• After cleaning, staff sanitize nonporous surfaces by using the procedure for sanitizing designated changing surfaces described in the Cleaning and Sanitation Frequency Table.
• Staff clean rugs and carpeting by blotting, spot cleaning with a detergent-disinfectant, and shampooing or steam cleaning.
• Staff dispose of contaminated materials and diapers in a plastic bag with a secure tie that is placed in a closed container.

5.C.03
U   I   T   P   K
A toy that a child has placed in his or her mouth or that is otherwise contaminated by body secretion or excretion is either to be (a) washed by hand using water and detergent, then rinsed, sanitized, and air dried or (b) washed and dried in a mechanical dishwasher before it can be used by another child.

5.C.04
U   I   T   P   K
Staff maintain areas used by staff or children who have allergies or any other special environmental health needs according to the recommendations of health professionals.

5.C.05
U   I   T   P   K
Classroom pets or visiting animals appear to be in good health. Pets or visiting animals have documentation from a veterinarian or an animal shelter to show that the animals are fully immunized (if the animal should be so protected) and that the animal is suitable for contact with children. Teaching staff supervise all interactions between children and animals and instruct children on safe behavior when in close proximity to animals. Program staff make sure that any child who is allergic to a type of animal is not exposed to that animal. Reptiles are not allowed as classroom pets because of the risk for salmonella infection.

5.C.06
I
Before walking on surfaces that infants use specifically for play, adults and children remove, replace, or cover with clean foot coverings any shoes they have worn outside that play area. If children or staff are barefoot in such areas, their feet are visibly clean.