For many educators, meeting their students’ basic needs is an important part of creating a safe and supportive learning environment. Teachers often see firsthand how access to diapers and other essential supplies can affect a child’s comfort, participation, and ability to learn.

Through Educator Voices, we’re sharing the experiences of educators who have seen the impact of diaper need firsthand and the difference community support can make.

These are their stories. These are their voices.

From Ms. Debbie Carden, Education & Bottoms Up Volunteer:

As a PreK Special Education teacher, I worked with young children who had a variety of developmental and medical needs. One challenge I frequently encountered was having students arrive at school without the diapers they needed for the day. When parents were unable to send enough diapers, I often found myself purchasing or providing diapers myself so that my students could remain comfortable, clean, and ready to participate in their school day.

Bottoms Up Diaper Bank became an incredible resource for my classroom. Their generous donation of diapers allowed me to provide my students with an essential item without having to worry about whether we would have enough supplies. This support made a tremendous difference—not only for my students, but also for their families and for me as their teacher.

For children with special needs, having access to basic necessities like diapers is especially important. A child who is comfortable and cared for is better able to learn, participate, and enjoy their time at school. Bottoms Up Diaper Bank helped me make sure my students’ basic needs were met with dignity and compassion.

I am incredibly grateful to Bottoms Up for supporting teachers and families in our community. Their generosity allowed me to focus more on what I loved most—teaching my students and helping them grow—rather than worrying about whether they had the supplies they needed. The work Bottoms Up does truly makes a difference in the lives of children and families.

Ms. Debbie’s story reminds us that diapers are more than a basic necessity, they can be an important part of a child’s ability to learn, participate, and thrive at school.

When we support educators, we support children. When we support families, we strengthen our entire community.

Thank you for sharing your experience and allowing us to share your words.

Thank you to the educators who care for our children, the volunteers who serve alongside us, and the supporters who make this work possible.

If you are an educator that has been impacted by Bottoms Up Diaper Bank, we would love to hear from you.