Washing Hands at a Low Sink

Safety

Set hand-sink water no hotter than 120°F (49°C), as Caring for Our Children advises, and check it before children use it.
Step stools must be sturdy and non-slip; an adult is nearby when a child stands on one.
Children do not use hand sanitizer in place of washing unless licensing allows it, and never unsupervised; many products are unsafe to swallow.

1
Say: 'It is time to wash hands before lunch.' Walk with the child to the sink.
2
Push up your sleeves and the child's sleeves. Turn on the water and hold your hands under it.
3
Press the soap pump once. Rub your palms together, then the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and each thumb, slowly. Show the child the soap bubbles; seeing the bubbles is the point of interest.
4
Sing a short song while rubbing, the same song every time, so the washing lasts long enough.
5
Rinse the soap off under the water. Turn off the tap with a paper towel if the program requires it.
6
Dry each hand with the towel. Put the paper towel in the trash can.
7
Invite the child to wash. Stand beside them and name each step as they do it; guide their hands only for the parts they miss.

Soap left on the hands feels slippery; dirt left on the hands shows in the mirror or on the towel.