Do childcare educators need infection control training?

The expectations

The National Quality Standard includes children's health and safety, and services build their health and hygiene policies around the NHMRC's Staying healthy guidance. Educators are expected to follow those policies — which means understanding hand hygiene, nappy changing, cleaning and exclusion.

What services commonly ask for

• Induction on the service's hygiene and illness policies.
• First aid, asthma and anaphylaxis training (separate requirements).
• Child protection or child safety training (separate requirements).
• Food safety training for staff who prepare food.

Where infection control training helps

A short infection control course gives new educators and students a practical foundation before their first room — and a certificate to attach to applications.