Is it acceptable to leave a student unattended on a changing table?

• A. Never acceptable.
• B. Acceptable if busy.
• C. Acceptable if with a student.
• D. Acceptable if you glance away.

Answer: (A)

Safety and supervision during diaper changes on a changing table require never leaving the child unattended. These setups carry a real risk of falls or sudden movements, and even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to injury. That’s why the standard practice is to keep at least one hand on the child and stay within arm’s reach at all times, ready to respond immediately to any movement. Before you begin, gather supplies and arrange the space so you don’t need to look away. If you think you might need to step away for any reason, pause the change and have another trained adult supervise or move the child to a safer, supervised area. This is why leaving a student unattended is never acceptable.