Prepare for the diaper change. Collect supplies needed (clean diaper, wipes, plastic bags, vinyl gloves, and clean clothes) and place them near –- but not on –- the diapering table. Cover the table with a disposable diaper changing sheet (available in different sizes). Put on disposable vinyl gloves before picking up the child. Place the child on the covered surface, while always keeping a hand on them.
Remove clothing and unfasten the diaper. Place soiled clothing in a plastic bag to send home. Unfasten the diaper, but leave the soiled diaper under the child.
Clean the diaper area. Clean the child thoroughly with disposable wipes. Wipe front to back. Be sure to clean all creases and cracks in the child’s skin. Roll up the soiled diaper with used wipes inside and dispose in a lined, covered trash can.
Remove gloves Remove gloves by grabbing one glove from the middle and pulling it off, then pulling the cuff of the other glove by sliding your hand inside the cuff and pulling it down toward your fingertips. Turn the second glove inside out over the first glove as you take it off. Avoid touching the glove surface with your bare hands. Dispose of gloves.
Wipe your hands and the child’s hands. Use separate wipes for yourself and the child. Dispose of wipes.
Put on the clean diaper. Use facial or toilet tissue to apply any necessary diaper creams. Fasten the diaper securely, and dress the child.
Wash the child’s hands with soap and warm running water. Encourage the child to help with hand washing as soon as he or she shows interest. If the child is too young to wash her own hands, place soap on the child’s hands and rub them together, then rinse well and dry.
Return the child to the play area without touching anything else. Do not hand the child a toy or touch any equipment. Remember that your hands still have not been washed.
Clean and disinfect the diaper table. Clean the surface and disinfect the diapering area with a one-step disinfectant spray. Allow the solution to stay on the surface at least two minutes, then wipe dry with paper towels.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm, running water. Record the child’s diaper change on the daily record sheet to give to parents. If you are changing several children’s diapers in a row, be sure to wash your hands and disinfect the diaper table after each diaper change.
Child care plays a significant role in shaping American society, impacting families, communities and the nation as a whole. As parents increasingly participate in the workforce and the dynamics of modern life continue to evolve, understanding the importance of child care becomes crucial. In this blog post, we will explore some fascinating facts that shed light on why child care is a vital component of American society.
Economic Impact
Child care has a profound impact on the economy, both at the individual and national levels. According to a study by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the lack of accessible, affordable, and high-quality child care costs the U.S. economy an estimated $57 billion annually due to reduced productivity, increased employee turnover, and missed workdays. By investing in quality child care options, we not only support working parents but also contribute to a stronger economy and increased workforce participation.
Early Childhood Development
Early childhood is a critical period for a child's cognitive, social, and emotional development. High-quality child care environments provide essential learning experiences, fostering language development, problem-solving skills, and social interactions. Research shows that children who receive quality early care and education are more likely to succeed academically, graduate high school, and have improved long-term outcomes, including higher earnings and better overall health.
Gender Equality and Workforce Participation
Accessible and affordable child care is a driving force behind gender equality and increased workforce participation. When parents have access to reliable child care options, it empowers women to pursue their careers, reducing the gender wage gap and promoting gender equity in the workplace. Additionally, when both parents can participate in the workforce, it positively impacts family income and economic stability, leading to enhanced opportunities for upward mobility and a stronger society overall.
Social Integration and Community Building
Child care centers and early learning programs serve as hubs for social integration and community building. Children from diverse backgrounds come together, fostering inclusivity and cultural understanding from an early age. Moreover, child care centers often provide support services for families, including parenting resources, educational workshops, and networking opportunities, creating a sense of community and support among parents and caregivers.
Long-Term Benefits and Crime Prevention
Investing in quality child care programs yields long-term benefits for society, including reduced crime rates. Studies have shown that high-quality early childhood education programs significantly decrease the likelihood of future criminal behavior. By providing children with a nurturing and stimulating environment during their early years, we can promote positive social development, improve school readiness, and reduce the societal costs associated with crime and incarceration.
Future Workforce and Innovation
The children in child care today are the future workforce and innovators of tomorrow. By offering a nurturing and stimulating environment during their early years, we lay the foundation for a skilled and innovative workforce. Quality child care programs emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration—skills that are essential for success in the 21st-century economy and the advancement of society as a whole.
Child care is far more than a service to support working parents. It is an investment in the future of American society. The economic, developmental, and social impact of child care cannot be underestimated. By recognizing the importance of child care and advocating for accessible, affordable, and high-quality options, we can build a stronger, more inclusive society that empowers families, promotes gender equality, fosters early childhood development, and cultivates a skilled and innovative future workforce. Let us continue to prioritize child care as a vital element of American society and ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive!
