At Stepping Stone School, children’s health and well-being are always our top priorities. One of the most powerful ways we support that well-being is by teaching children how to care for their bodies—starting with the basics of good hygiene. From handwashing to healthy daily routines, we help children build lifelong habits that keep them safe, confident and ready to learn. For young children, learning hygiene is about more than just staying clean—it’s a key part of developing:

• Independence
• Self-awareness
• Responsibility
• Empathy for others

When children understand how germs spread and how their actions can keep themselves and others healthy, they begin to take pride in taking care of themselves and respecting the space around them.

The Power of Handwashing

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness—and it’s also one of the first hygiene habits children can learn. At Stepping Stone School, handwashing is:

• Taught as a fun, interactive routine
• Reinforced with visual cues and songs
• Practiced before meals, after using the restroom, after outdoor play, and any time needed throughout the day

We teach children to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—often with the help of a familiar handwashing song to make it enjoyable and memorable!

Healthy Habits We Promote Every Day

Beyond handwashing, we build a culture of cleanliness and health by helping children learn:

• How to cover coughs and sneezes (using elbows or tissues)
• The importance of keeping hands away from the face
• Proper nose blowing and tissue disposal
• The value of keeping personal items clean
• Clean-up routines to keep play and learning areas tidy and safe

Our educators model these habits daily and guide children in understanding why each one matters, not just how to do it.

Creating a Clean, Safe Learning Environment

At Stepping Stone School, our hygiene practices go far beyond teaching—we maintain the highest standards for cleanliness and safety in every classroom and learning space. Our exclusive and rigorous VerifiED™ Quality Assurance Program ensures the health and safety of all areas of sanitation, classroom equipment, structural maintenance, playground equipment, building and playground security, classroom cleanliness and protection from hazards.

This includes:

• Hospital Clean Environments
• Regular sanitation of toys, surfaces, and materials
• Disinfecting high-touch areas throughout the day
• Encouraging proper hygiene throughout the day
• Daily health checks and safe illness protocols
• Ongoing training for teachers and staff on health and safety best practices

Small Habits, Big Impact

Children who learn healthy habits early in life are better equipped to manage their well-being and support the health of those around them. Through fun, developmentally appropriate education, we help children build routines that will serve them for a lifetime.

Want to see our health and safety routines in action?
Schedule a tour at Stepping Stone School and experience how we combine learning, care, and health to create a positive environment for every child.