Disease prevention in education and care services
Disease outbreaks in early childhood education and care (ECEC) services and schools are more common due to groups of children playing closely together. ECEC services and schools play an important role in limiting the spread of contagious conditions (or infectious diseases) by:
- excluding unwell children from the service who have been identified as being contagious
- maintaining hygiene standards
- educating staff, parents and children.
How contagious conditions spread
Contagious conditions are caused by germs that can move from one person (or source) to another in several ways. They may spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes, or when tiny droplets are breathed in. Germs may also pass from contaminated hands, surfaces or objects into the body through the mouth, eyes, nose or broken skin. Some infections spread when people eat food or drink water that contain germs. Others can be picked up from animals -either by touching them, through bites from insects like mosquitoes or ticks, or touching surfaces or materials that carry germs from animals.
Exclusion guidelines for contagious conditions
If a child has, or is suspected of having a contagious condition, they may need to be excluded from attending an ECEC service or school to prevent spread among other children, staff, and the wider community. For some conditions, a child may also need to receive medical clearance from a doctor or other healthcare provider before returning to their usual activities.
- The Time out poster (PDF 1066 kB) provides information on the recommended minimum exclusion periods for common contagious conditions.
- The Time out brochure (PDF 593 kB) provides information for parents about contagious conditions and exclusion periods for ECEC services and schools in Queensland.
- The Public Health Act 2005 (Qld) contagious conditions fact sheet (PDF 202 kB) outlines the responsibilities of ECEC services and schools under the Public Health Act 2005 and Public Health Regulation 2018.
If a contagious condition is suspected or confirmed in your service and you require advice, contact your local public health unit.
Additional Resources for ECEC Services and Schools:
Refer to the following for further information on limiting the spread of infectious diseases:
- Staying healthy: Preventing infectious diseases in early childhood and care services
- Managing gastroenteritis outbreaks (PDF 191 kB)
- Health and safety procedures
- Managing spills of body substances (PDF 812 kB)
- Prevention and management of gastroenteritis outbreak in a camp facility (PDF 802 kB)
Staff immunisations
Working in certain jobs increases your exposure to some vaccine-preventable diseases. Find out which immunisations are recommended for people who work with children.
If you are unsure which vaccines are recommended for you or you have any questions, talk to your doctor or immunisation provider. You can also speak to your employer about their policies and practices to minimise the spread of infectious diseases at work.