Healthy Habits — Handwashing at Home and School

IMAGINATION ZONE
Oct 29
3 min read

At Imagination Zone Childcare & Early Learning Center in Covington, Georgia, keeping our children healthy and safe is always a top priority. One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to protect children from illness is through consistent and proper handwashing.

As the weather changes and more germs begin to spread, we’re using this season as a great opportunity to remind our students — and their families — about the importance of clean hands, both at school and at home.

Why Handwashing Matters

Young children explore the world through touch — from toys and tables to outdoor play equipment and art supplies. While this kind of hands-on learning is essential for development, it also means that germs can spread quickly. Handwashing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent colds, flu, and other common illnesses that can keep kids (and parents!) home from school or work.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that regular handwashing can reduce respiratory illnesses by up to 20%. That’s a simple habit that has a big impact!

How We Teach Handwashing at Imagination Zone

At Imagination Zone, we don’t just tell children to wash their hands — we make it a fun, engaging routine. Our teachers model the process and include songs, visual reminders, and positive reinforcement so it becomes second nature.

Children wash their hands:

Before eating meals or snacks
After using the restroom
After playing outdoors
After sneezing, coughing, or wiping their nose
After activities involving paint, sensory bins, or shared materials

We turn handwashing into a learning experience by explaining why it’s important and connecting it to our lessons on health, science, and self-care.

The Right Way to Wash Hands

Parents often ask how to reinforce good hygiene habits at home. Here’s the method we teach our students — you can try it with your child, too!

Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).
Add soap and lather well, covering the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.
Scrub for at least 20 seconds — sing a short song like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or “Happy Birthday” twice.
Rinse thoroughly under running water.
Dry hands completely with a clean towel or air dry.

Encourage your child to make bubbles and notice how the water helps “wash the germs away.” Turning a daily task into a mini science experiment can make it fun and memorable!

Practicing at Home

Good habits start early — and consistency between school and home helps children remember what to do. Here are a few tips for parents to make handwashing part of your home routine:

Lead by example. Children love to imitate adults, so wash your hands alongside them.
Keep supplies within reach. Provide a step stool, gentle soap, and a towel near your sink so your child can do it independently.
Create reminders. Use colorful signs or stickers near sinks as gentle prompts.
Make it fun. Use songs, timers, or even a “handwashing chart” for younger children to earn stickers.
Talk about it. Explain in simple terms that washing hands helps keep everyone healthy — including their friends and family.

Staying Healthy, Together

Healthy habits like handwashing don’t just protect one child — they protect everyone in our center and our community. When children stay healthy, they can attend school regularly, stay engaged in learning, and continue developing strong social and academic skills.

As part of our Quality Rated commitment, Imagination Zone emphasizes routines that promote both safety and independence. We’re proud to teach children not only academic skills but also lifelong habits that build confidence, responsibility, and care for others.

We encourage parents to practice these same habits at home and share with us any creative ways your family makes handwashing fun! By working together, we can reduce illness, improve attendance, and keep every child learning and thriving this fall.

A Healthy Start for Every Child

At Imagination Zone Childcare & Early Learning Center, our goal is to provide a balanced environment where health, safety, and learning go hand in hand. Every part of the day — from meals and playtime to hygiene routines — is designed to support your child’s growth and well-being.

Together, we can help children build the foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits — one clean hand at a time!

To learn more about our health and safety practices or to schedule a tour, contact us today