Early childhood centres
Nelson Marlborough Health's Public Health Service helps to reduce the likelihood of infectious disease outbreaks at childcare centres.
They do this by providing:
- health assessments (charges may apply) and reports required under the Education (Early Childhood Services) Regulations 2008
- general public health advice and guidelines for people planning a new centre, renovations or re-licencing a centre
- specialist advice about drinking-water, disease outbreaks and chemical hazards.
There is potential for disease transmission among children at centres because:
- children under five years old are likely to have poorly-developed personal hygiene habits
- there is a high level of physical contact between children
- nappy changing is a high-risk activity
- food may be shared
- children tend to place items in their mouths, and may contaminate those items.
Page last updated: 29/03/2016