I 12 Step 1 Nails In early childhood education, your hands are moving as fast as your feet. You need to be able to quickly and efficiently carry out the responsibilities of your job. That means constantly using your hands and constantly washing them. Although nails have become a fashion accessory, consider the following for work. You want nails that are i Clean i Short enough to allow you to quickly perform your job responsibili- ties such as zipping coats and fastening buttons i Short enough for you to easily clean under them at work Long, manicured nails can be beautiful, but consider their disadvantages. They can i Scratch children unintentionally i Collect dirt, food particles, and bodily fluids i Break or bend more easily, hurting you i Leave nail polish chips in food or on the floor winning ways Jewelry Jewelry is not only decorative, it can also be symbolic—for example, wed- ding rings, school rings, and religious symbols. In an industry that celebrates diversity, jewelry can be a way to express cultural heritage. Is there a place for jewelry at work as an early childhood professional? Of course. Again, safety for the child and for you is the main concern. Use these ideas when selecting jewelry to wear at work: i Since you wash your hands so often, minimize rings and bracelets. i Avoid jewelry that can easily scratch children. i Consider the age of the children with whom you are working. Infants and toddlers may grab or pull jewelry that dangles from your ears or neck. i Avoid jewelry that can break easily, such as a strand of beads. They may pose a choking hazard for children. i Leave jewelry that you do not want to lose at home.