COVID-19 is known for being dangerous because it is primarily spread through respiratory droplets. However, it is also possible to catch the virus from certain surfaces. It can live on plastic from a few hours to a few days. That is why it is imperative that every teacher know the safest ways to clean toys and which toys to leave out of the classroom. Smartcare has compiled a list of helpful tips from the CDC specifically for childcare workers.
Any toy that has been placed in a child’s mouth or contaminated by body secretions or excretions should be set aside until it can be properly cleaned by someone wearing gloves. They should follow these steps:
- Clean with water and detergent
- Rinse
- Sanitize with EPA-registered disinfectant
- Rinse again
- Air dry the toy
Each of the toys should be kept to a specific classroom. Toys should not be passed to a different group before being washed and sanitized.
Unfortunately, you cannot wash books. However, the CDC has deemed books not a high risk for transmitting the virus. Your classrooms should be completely fine to have as many books as you wish.
Fabric toys such as stuffed animals are fine to keep in the classroom as long as they are not passed between the kids. It is best for each child to have their own fabric toy that they keep through the entirety of the day.
Once a child has used a toy, they should not share it until it has been properly washed. The toy needs to be kept in a container of soapy water. This way the daycare teachers are aware which toys have been used. This container must be kept out of reach of children for a risk of drowning.
Lastly, any toy that you feel cannot be fully cleaned and sanitized should not be used.
