Health Tips for Preschool Teachers

Anyone who has spent time in a room with a bunch of young children will know what it’s like to regularly come down with colds, coughs, runny noses and the like. The thing is that young kids are prone to catching all kinds of infections because their immune systems are still to develop. As an adult you have a greater resistance, but when in a room with kids who may be coming down with something, it’s easy for you to fall sick too. Being a preschool teacher is a great job, but it requires a great deal of energy to keep up with the kids as well as patience in dealing with them. Neither of these is easy and when you are not feeling well, it can be almost impossible.

The experienced preschool teacher knows that taking a little extra trouble every day to keep illness away is something that is well worth the effort. Not only does it make the day more enjoyable and keep you feeling good, it makes you a better teacher. A teacher who is healthy and happy gives off a positive aura that fosters a stronger connection with the children in her care. Here are a few tips on what you can do to stay healthy.

• Make sure you get your Flu shot every year. Without this you are liable to come down with it each time one of your students contracts it.
• At the end of each day – or at the beginning if that is easier for you - use Lysol or some other disinfectant to wipe down the tables, chairs, door knobs and other surfaces that the children are constantly touching.
• Use alcohol wipes to wipe off the telephone and computer keyboard and other places were dirt and grime collect but where liquids or dampness could damage the equipment.
• Young kids think nothing of coughing all over the place. At best they may cough into their hands. Teach them to cough into their bent elbows instead of the hands. This will reduce the chances of germs being transmitted by touch.
• Have your own tissue box and keep it in a place where the children can’t get hold of it. Make sure you never use the same box as the kids do.
• Always carry your own pencils, crayons, scissors etc. with you. If need be, wear an apron or other garment that has enough pocket space. This will allow you to avoid touching these things that are used by the children and could be full of germs.
• It sound next to impossible, but try to avoid touching your face while in school. Especially do not rub your eyes or nose. It will take time to get out of the face touching habit, but when you do you will have reduced your chances of getting sick significantly.
• As soon as you get home, wash your hands up to the elbows using a lot of soap. Do it like the doctors do – this is how they get rid of germs.
• Change your clothes when you enter your house. This will prevent the germs in your clothing from spreading through the home.
• Drink plenty of water. Being well hydrated helps your body to fight off disease.

Some of the ideas suggested here may seem a little extreme to you but if you try them for a while you will see that the frequent bouts of illness that you suffered from before will have reduced considerably. Remember that you are staying healthy not just for your own sake but for the children too.