Research indicates children in group care have increased risk of infectious illnesses compared to those cared for at home. The health practices of child care center staff, children, and parents will influence the incidence of illness. The issues discussed in the book relate to some of the indicators of selected health accreditation principles in the National Childcare Accreditation Council's handbook. This book is part of a series designed to provide practical support to services participating in the Quality Improvement and Accreditation System. Specific principles are listed at the beginning of each chapter. The aim of the book is to provide child care workers with ideas for best health practices and to give some supporting information to justify each practice. The first topic area addressed in the book is the "health and welfare of children" including healthy children, child welfare, and the sick child. The second topic area is "clothing and sun protection." The third topic area, "infection prevention and control," includes hand washing, cleaning and disinfection, diapering and toileting, and food practices. The fourth area focuses on "dental care." fifth topic area is "immunization," including information on updating of medical records, reactions to immunizations, and reporting infectious diseases. Contains 21 references. (SD)