5.5.0.1: Storage and Labeling of Personal Articles

After reading the CFOC standard, see COVID-19 modification below (Also consult applicable state licensure and public health requirements).

The facility should provide separate storage areas for each child’s and staff member’s personal articles and clothing. Personal effects and clothing should be labeled with the child’s name. Bedding should be labeled with the child’s full name, stored separately for each child, and not touching other children’s personal items (1,2).

If children use the following items at the child care facility, those items should be stored in separate, clean containers and should be labeled with the child’s full name:

1. Individual cloth towels for bathing purposes;
2. Toothbrushes;
3. Washcloths; and
4. Combs and brushes (1).

Toothbrushes, towels, and washcloths should be allowed to dry when they are stored and not touching (1).

COVID-19 modification as of September 20, 2021  In response to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs, it is recommended that early care and education programs:  Label and store masks separately when removed for eating and sleeping. Have more than one mask on hand so that you can easily replace a dirty mask with a clean one. Store wet or dirty masks in a sealed plastic bag or container. Store dry masks in a paper bag Place contaminated clothes or other personal items in a plastic bag and send home.   For more information, refer to Standards 3.1.5.1 Routine Oral Hygiene Activities and 3.1.5.2 Toothbrushes and Toothpaste.   Additional Resources:   Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Mask Guidance

 

RATIONALE

This standard prevents the spread of organisms that cause disease and promotes organization of a child’s personal possessions. Lice infestation, scabies, and ringworm are common infectious diseases in child care. Providing space so personal items may be stored separately helps to prevent the spread of these diseases.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

RELATED STANDARDS

3.6.1.5 Sharing of Personal Articles Prohibited
3.6.3.2 Labeling, Storage, and Disposal of Medications
5.4.5.1 Sleeping Equipment and Supplies

REFERENCES

1. Aronson, S. S., T. R. Shope, eds. 2017. Managing infectious diseases in child care and schools: A quick reference guide, pp. 43-48. 4^th Edition. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.
   

2. American Academy of Pediatrics. School Health In: Kimberlin DW, Brady MT, Jackson MA, Long SS, eds. Red Book: 2018 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 31st Edition. Itasca, IL:  American Academy of Pediatrics; 2018: 138-146

   
   

NOTES

COVID-19 modification as of September 20, 2021