Child Care Provider and Staff Wellness

Introduction

Adults working in early education and child care programs are at greater risk than other adults of developing common communicable diseases and vaccine preventable diseases. The increased risk is due to the adults’ continued and frequent contact with young children who are building their immunity through age-appropriate vaccinations and children’s frequent viral illnesses and exposures. The risk of exposure and developing illness increases when seasonal and frequent common respiratory illnesses happen. Child care providers, staff, and other adults in contact with young children need to protect themselves against diseases to maintain optimum health and to protect their families, co-workers, and most importantly the young children in their care.