Introduction: The number of children in kindergarten is growing constantly, which consequently increases the exposure to microorganisms and contagious diseases. As a rule, kindergartens are the ideal environment to spread contagious diseases due to number of children spending time together in a closed group. Purpose: Through observation of educational workers and children in their working process, we aim to establish their hygienic habits regarding handwashing in early childhood years. Using pre-wet swabs on surfaces, equipment and toys before and after the cleaning and disinfection process, we aim to validate the efficiency of the cleaning and disinfection process against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus and all microorganisms combined. Methods: Using the observation form, we carried out many classroom observations of the teachers to monitor their process of handwashing and, if necessary, disinfection. At the same time, we were able to observe young children, how they wash their hands during their time in kindergarten. Having swabbed pre-determined surfaces, we were able to establish the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus and all microorganisms combined before and after the cleaning and disinfection process. Results: Through observation, we were able to see the educational workers use the proper hygiene practice, in addition, they proved of great help in washing the children’s hands. Swab tests of kindergarten teachers and assistants have showed the bacterium was the most widely present on the hands of the teachers, as well as one assistant. On certain surfaces, Streptococcus were most frequently found after cleaning, followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacteriaceae. Discussion and conclusion: Maintaining hygiene on the surfaces, equipment and toys proved of vital importance in kindergartens. Furthermore, the paper was able to establish the necessity to wash and, if needed, disinfect hands of teachers and children consistently. The paper concludes that to achieve effective cleanliness, the educational workers and children ought to prolong the time of washing. The cleaning and disinfection plans are appropriate in all the kindergartens; however, the procedure was not carried out effectively enough in one of the kindergartens.
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