Library: Policy

340:110-3-297. Diapering and toileting

Revised 6-1-22

(a) Diaper changing.

(1) Frequency. Diapers are:

(A) checked hourly and when a child exhibits behavior suggesting a wet or soiled diaper; and

(B) changed promptly when wet or soiled.

(2) Diaper changing procedures. Diapers are changed:

(A) in the diaper changing area or, when applicable, an alternative diaper changing area; and

(B) per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340 Appendix KK – Diaper Changing Procedures. The procedures are posted, per OAC 340:110-3-281.1(h), and documentation is maintained, per OAC 340:110-3-281.4(b).

(3) Diaper changing area. Diaper changing areas:

(A) are required in the classroom or a restroom opening directly into the classroom when the classroom has children 2 years of age or younger in diapers;

(B) are near the sink when a sink is required, per OAC 340:110-3-300(n);

(C) have a non-porous diapering surface, such as a counter or pad, not used for other purposes, and at least 28 inches above the floor;

(D) include a trash container with a tight-fitting lid; and

(E) are kept free of all objects except for necessary items used when diapering.

(4) Alternative diaper changing area. A diaper changing area is used, when possible.

(A) Alternative diaper changing areas may be on the floor and are used when a:

(i) child is too heavy to safely lift onto a diaper changing area; or

(ii) diaper changing area is unavailable, such as in classrooms where one is not required, or on field trips.

(B) When an alternative area is used, sanitation and safety are maintained by:

(i) using a non-porous pad not used for other purposes;

(ii) ensuring the non-porous pad is appropriate to the child's size;

(iii) storing the pad out of children's reach; and

(iv) ensuring proper hygiene practices and supervision for all children in the classroom.

(5) Diapering - children 3 years of age or older. When 3-year-olds or older are in diapers, privacy when diapering is maintained.

(b) Toilet learning.

(1) Parent involvement. The toilet learning plan and progress are discussed with the parents.

(2) Environment. Toilet learning is relaxed and pressure free.

(A) Children are encouraged by regular use of a toilet or potty chair for short periods of time not exceeding 10 minutes.

(B) Personnel respond immediately when a child indicates toileting assistance.

(3) Potty chairs. Potty chairs are:

(A) located and used only in a restroom; and

(B) emptied and rinsed into a toilet, cleaned, and disinfected after each use in a sanitary manner.

(1) Personnel. Personnel do not embarrass, punish, or show disapproval for toileting accidents.

(2) Clothing. Both wet and soiled clothing is changed promptly while providing sanitation practices and privacy.

(d) Diapers, training pants, and clothing.

(1) Appropriate fit. Diapers and training pants fit the child appropriately.

(2) Cloth diapers and outer coverings. Cloth diapers have an outer covering, either attached or separate, made of a waterproof material. When the outer covering is separate from the cloth diaper, both are changed at the same time.

(3) Training pants. Cloth and disposable training pants are:

(A) checked and changed, per (a) of this Section;

(B) changed in a sanitary manner;

(D) disposed of in a trash container with a tight-fitting lid, when applicable.

(4) Rinsing prohibited. Both wet and soiled items are not rinsed, including in the toilet. However, feces may be disposed of in a toilet, provided other surface contamination is prevented.

(5) Send home or launder. Both wet and soiled items are placed in a sealed, labeled, moisture-proof bag and sent home or laundered.