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Infant and Toddler Care

Diapering and Toilet Training 

For infants and toddlers diapering is done throughout the day with loving care and reassurance that their needs are being met. When diapering, staff members follow the rules and steps posted by the changing stations. Because of the many diseases and germs that can be transferred during diaper changes, Standard Precautions are always used when diapering. Please note that due to sanitation concerns the Children’s Center does not allow the use of cloth diapers, only disposable diapers are permitted. 

Parents will provide wipes and diapers for their infants and toddlers as needed. EHS children will have diapers and wipes provided.

The Children’s Center believes in partnering with parents to start toilet training. We begin by having an agreement between parents and teachers on the process we will follow while toilet training. We provide unique child-size toilet areas to help alleviate fears and insecurities. 

To start toilet training we require that children meet the following: 

  • Be at least 20 months old. 
  • Be able to pull their own pants on and off. 
  • Be able to communicate verbally the need to use the bathroom. 

Teachers and parents will plan to work together to remain consistent between home and childcare. There will not be force or shame involved in toilet training. Each child will be given the opportunity to use the toilet, but we understand that it is ultimately the child’s decision. 

If your child is in the process of toilet training, we ask that you provide extra clothes, wipes, pull-ups, and underwear. 

Clothing and Supplies for Infants and Toddlers

Please send a complete change of clothes, socks, and jacket for your child to be kept at The Children’s Center. Parents are responsible for providing the following items as needed:

  • Diapers
  • Wipes 
  • Bottles 
  • Formula
  • Diaper Cream
  • Sunscreen
  • Water Bottle
  • Blanket for Toddlers and Sleep Sacks for Infants

Please make sure your child wears shoes daily to aid in their growth and developing skills.  

All belongings should be labeled with the child’s first and last name. Early Head Start children will have diapers, wipes, and formula supplied.

Environment for Infant Room

With infants commonly on the floor we want to provide a clean, safe, and healthy environment in the Infant Room. We practice a ‘shoe safe shoes and smocks’ policy in this room. We ask that parents and staff entering the carpeted area of the infant room please slip a pair of shoe covers over their shoes and wear a smock over their clothes. In an effort to protect infants from secondhand and thirdhand, no smoking of any kind is allowed in or around the building. Additionally, staff who smoke must have clothing to wear at the Children’s Center that has not been exposed to a smoking environment. Staff must keep hair and skin clean and smoke free when working with infants

Caregiving and Continuity of Care

Children enrolled at the Children’s Center will be assigned to a specific classroom and teaching staff.  These staff members will be the child’s continuous care providers in support of the formation of a strong emotional bond between child and adult. Every effort will be made to maintain continuity for each child in our care.