An opt-in intimate care waiver is a formal consent form offered by some early childhood education and care (ECEC) services that allows families to choose whether male educators can perform intimate care tasks—such as nappy changes, toileting, or dressing—for their child. On the surface, this seems like a reasonable compromise: empower families, protect children, and avoid blanket bans on male staff. But scratch beneath the surface, and a deeper question emerges: Are we quietly institutionalizing gender discrimination?