Different people may have different ideas surrounding how to maintain a safe environment that prevents the spread of infectious disease. There may be staff members, children, or families that need support in following program policies and meeting expectations for cleanliness and safety. There are many ways to create a culture of shared responsibility and promote continued efforts to maintain healthy environments. Reflect on these questions to examine how you are currently supporting members of your program community in creating and maintaining healthy environments, and what changes may improve health and safety practices in your program.

1. How do you communicate expectations around cleanliness and healthy practices? How effective are these communications? How do you know?
2. What tracking system(s) do you use to monitor progress toward your program’s goals and expectations for cleaning? Who has access to that data and how do they use it?
3. How do you (or could you) recognize and celebrate staff/students/families who go above and beyond expectations?
4. What incentives are likely to motivate staff members, children and families to meet expectations around cleanliness and maintaining a healthy environment?
5. How might you incorporate cleanliness and healthy habits into program-wide displays, routines or celebrations?
6. Who is currently leading efforts or modeling best practices to maintain a clean and healthy environment, and how might you work with them to make program-wide improvements?

You can use the space below to record your ideas and plans for supporting your program community in maintaining clean and healthy environments.