- Created 04/26
Purpose
Diapering is a caregiving routine that must be completed while maintaining active supervision and required staff-to-child ratios. Teachers must ensure all children remain supervised at all times and build positive teacher-child interactions.
Before Diapering
- Check the classroom atmosphere to make sure you can safely change children. If there are other issues happening, then you will call for support using your bathroom supervision assigned staff.
- Ensure all children are engaged in safe activities or learning centers.
- Position yourself so you can see and hear the entire classroom.
- Gather all diapering supplies before beginning. See the Health handbook for diapering hygiene procedures.
Active Supervision Strategies
Teachers continue using active supervision during diapering:
- Positioning - Stand or kneel where you can see most of the classroom. Staff position their body facing the classroom near the bathroom entrance.
- Zoning - Children remain in designated areas or centers that allow easy supervision.
- Scanning - Continue to look around the classroom frequently while diapering.
- Listening - Be aware of children's voices, movement, and potential safety concerns.
- Proximity - Stay within arm’s reach of the child being diapered. Use another changing mat to provide privacy if needed.
Key Supervision Reminders
- Children are never left unattended.
- Staff must remain within the ratio at all times within the classroom. This means you may step into the bathroom that is in the classroom and support a child. If a child will need a lengthy time to be supported, then you will call the staff listed on bathroom supervision.
- Teachers must maintain visual and auditory awareness of the entire group.
- Diapering routines should be done during times when other children can be engaged in activities.
Supporting in the Bathroom:
- When helping a child in the bathroom, leave the door open
- Coach the child through toileting steps.
- Staff may step into the bathroom to support, but if it is for a length of time, then the bathroom supervision process must be used.