Introduction: Kindergarten teachers and their assistants serve as key custodians of children's health in preschool settings. In their professional roles, they are regularly confronted with the potential for unintentional injuries and a range of hygiene-related challenges. It is therefore essential that they acquire and continuously update their competencies in the areas of hygiene and first aid. With adequate knowledge and a responsible approach, they can effectively prevent the spread of infectious diseases and respond appropriately to injuries and sudden sudden illnesses and health-related incidents among children. Purpose: The aim of this research was to highlight the importance of familiarity with first aid procedures and hygiene measures required in kindergarten environments, to identify the methods of acquiring such knowledge, and to assess the level of theoretical understanding among kindergarten teachers and their assistants in Slovenian preschools. Methods: Data were collected using an anonymous online questionnaire developed in the 1KA application. The instrument consisted of 26 mixed-format questions divided into four thematic sections. In the first phase, the questionnaire was distributed via the Association of Headmasters of Slovenia, and in the second phase through the official email addresses of all kindergartens in Slovenia. Descriptive statistics were processed using Microsoft Excel, while more advanced statistical analyses were conducted in SPSS. Results: The final research sample comprised 481 kindergarten teachers and assistants. Respondents most commonly reported acquiring knowledge in both areas through practical experience in kindergartens and through professional development activities organized by their institutions. Participation in first aid training was reported more frequently than training focused on hygiene. The participants demonstrated familiarity with individual correct first aid interventions, with the exception of measures in cases of partial airway obstruction. They were also well informed about routine hygiene procedures and recognized the importance of most hygiene measures in managing infectious disease outbreaks. Although participants expressed a high level of awareness regarding the importance of hygiene, this awareness did not always reflect into correct responses to practical, real-life situations. A low level of knowledge regarding comprehensive intervention protocols was observed across both areas. The highest level of comprehensive response was demonstrated in scenarios involving febrile seizures (19%) and hygiene requirements for parents during the child’s transition into kindergarten (27%). Results of the χ² test indicated a statistically significant relationship between length of service and correct response in the case of partial airway obstruction (p < 0.05). Discussion and conclusion: The responsibility for providing education in hygiene and first aid is increasingly being assumed by kindergartens, with first aid often prioritized over hygiene. While participants showed good awareness of individual basic measures in both domains, this knowledge needs to be enhanced through training in comprehensive intervention protocols. Regular updating of professional knowledge is crucial to prevent the application of outdated and unsupported practices. Further research is necessary to evaluate the practical implementation of these measures.
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