Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings1.

In 2001, 80% of children <6 years of age were in out-of-home child care an average of 40 hours per week. More than 1.2 million persons (primarily women) were paid to care for these children in childcare centers or homes. Childcare workers are among the lowest paid segment of the workforce. They are exposed to a number of occupational hazards, including stress, injuries, and occupational exposures to infectious diseases.