Physical Health and Growth Foundation: 4 - Personal Care

Topic: PHG4.1 - Demonstrate increased independence in personal care routines

Young children learn by observing and imitating the adults and the world around them. Learning to take care of their personal needs helps young children gain independence while preparing for the future. Educators can support establishing personal care routines that encourage children to begin taking care of themselves while building a positive body image.

The development of personal care routines leads to:
*Increasing independence
*Self-confidence
*Basic understanding of health and the dimensions of wellness

Looking Ahead to Kindergarten Family Engagement Special Populations
A significant amount of development occurs prior to kindergarten with the understanding that students will be expected to independently dress and undress themselves, as well as attend to toileting needs. Additionally, throughout kindergarten through second grade, students will begin to identify personal health decisions (Health 2.5.1) and people or places where health information can be obtained (Health 2.5.1). Encourage families to:

*Talk to their children about their current personal care routines and cultural influences of the household.
*Provide opportunities for young children to do as much as they can while offering encouragement and support (e.g. brushing their hair or teeth when appropriate).

Educators can:

*Provide visual supports (e.g. use real life photos to display the steps of proper handwashing).
*Ensure vocabulary is loaded into appropriate communication devices.
*Use a variety of visual supports, and words from a child’s home language when possible or use sign language.
Powerful Practices
Across all developmental stages, educators can:

*Address personal care with dignity and respect (e.g. engaging in consistent and respectful dialogue with parents about their routines and norms).
*Be respectful of and understand each family's cultural norms and preferences (e.g. engaging with parents to find out additional information about their cultural and familial expectations).
*Provide materials that children can use to practice skills related to dressing and undressing (e.g. clothing in dramatic play, laces, zippers, velcro, etc.).
*Provide books that promote personal care routines.
*Provide choices/options in routines when possible.
*Implement, model, and supervise proper handwashing procedures.
*Promote and provide opportunities to practice hygiene.
*Create an environment and schedules that supports routines.
Infant

Narrate personal care routines (e.g. “Your nose is running. I am going to wipe it with a tissue.” or “It is time to change your diaper.”)

Invite infant to participate in personal care routines as they are able (e.g. “Lift your foot so I can put your shoe on.”)
Younger Toddler
Encourage the child to participate in personal care routines

Describe why personal care routines are necessary (e.g. “Your shirt is wet! Let’s change it so you are safe and dry.”)

Verbalize your observations of the child’s toileting needs (e.g. while speaking one-on-one with the child, “It looks like your diaper is wet. We need to change it.)

Introduce the bathroom and provide opportunities for children to explore it

Older Toddler
As child shows interest and ability, encourage them to act independently in personal care routines

Provide descriptive feedback about child’s actions (e.g. “You did it! You put your jacket on. Now I can zip it.”)

Ask questions about personal care routines (e.g. “You forgot to wash your hands. Do you want to do it yourself or would you like help?”)

Recognize and respond to child’s verbal and non-verbal cues related to toileting

Younger Preschool
Support child’s independence in personal care routines (e.g. encourage children to change own clothes and provide specific praise)

Provide reminders about body care practices as needed (e.g. “It looks like you need a tissue.”)

Ask questions about personal care routines (e.g. “We are getting ready to go outside. Lilly, do you need to use the bathroom?”)

Encourage children to dress themselves, providing assistance when needed

Older Preschool
Support child’s independence in personal care routines (e.g. encourage children to change own clothes)

Provide reminders about body care practices as needed (e.g. “It looks like you need a tissue.”)

Ask questions about personal care routines (e.g. “We are getting ready to go outside. Does anyone need to use the bathroom?”)

Encourage children to dress themselves, providing assistance when needed