Bathroom Supervision & Rule of Three Policy

BATHROOM SUPERVISION & RULE OF THREE POLICY

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all children participating in TOPP KIDS programs during on-site and off-site restroom or locker room usage. By adhering to appropriate supervision guidelines—including the “Rule of Three” where required—TOPP KIDS maintains a safe environment that protects both children and educators from potential harm or unwarranted allegations. This revision aims to offer kindergarten children the highest level of protection, while also allowing children in Grades 1–6 opportunities for independence when appropriate and clarifies procedures for children under distal supervision.

SCOPE

This policy applies to all TOPP KIDS programs, activities, staff members (“educators”), volunteers, and participating children during on-site and off-site activities. It remains in effect for any indoor or outdoor activities, on-site or off-site field trips, and in any situation where children need to use restroom facilities.

POLICY SUMMARY

• Kindergarten: Children in Kindergarten must adhere to the Rule of Three at all times.
• Grades 1–6 (Inside the Primary Facility)
  • Individual Bathroom Trips (when not under distal supervision):
    • Educator Approval & Recording: Child must ask permission, and the educator must record their name/time out on the ratio board and inform the team.
    • 5-Minute Timer: The educator sets a 5-minute timer; if the child fails to return in time, the educator checks in.
    • One Child at a Time: Only one child may leave under these independent guidelines at any time.
  • When More Than One Child Needs the Washroom: The Rule of Three applies (one educator plus at least two children).
• Children Under Distal Supervision
  • Bathroom Trips While on Distal Supervision:
    • Permission via Walkie-Talkie: Child must contact their supervising educator via walkie-talkie to request permission.
    • Timer & Communication: Upon approval, the educator sets a 5-minute timer and updates the ratio board and the team as needed.
    • Check-In Procedure: If the child has not returned by the 5-minute mark, the educator must check on them—initially via walkie-talkie, then physically (accompanied by another person) if necessary.
    • Outside & Distal: If the child is on distal supervision outside and needs to enter the building away from the primary group, the Rule of Three applies (an educator must accompany them, ensuring three total people).
• Outside Activities or Field Trips
  • Children, regardless of age, cannot be sent to the bathroom alone when the program is outside the primary facility or on a field trip.
  • The Rule of Three remains in full effect in these scenarios.
• Conflicting School Policies
  • If a school’s policy differs from this procedure, the school policy supersedes TOPP KIDS’ policy.

PROCEDURES

• Kindergarten
  • Mandatory Rule of Three
    • At all times, a Kindergarten child must be accompanied by one educator and at least two children (or one educator, one volunteer, and one child).
    • Under no circumstances may a Kindergarten child go to the washroom independently or solely with peers.
• Off-Site or Outdoor Activities
  • For Kindergarten children, if a restroom is needed outside the primary facility, the educator must follow the Rule of Three, maintain continuous supervision, and—if needed—perform a safety check of the restroom before allowing usage.
• Grades 1–6 (Indoors at the Primary Facility)
  • Individual Restroom Trips (Non-Distal Supervision)
    • Permission & Recording: A child must ask an educator for permission; the educator documents the child’s name/time on the ratio board and notifies the team.
    • Time Limit: The educator sets a 5-minute timer as soon as the child leaves. If the child does not return by the timer’s end, the educator must check on them immediately.
• One Child at a Time: Only one child may be out of the room independently
  under this guideline.
• Multiple Children Simultaneously
  • If two or more children need to leave at once, the Rule of Three applies: at least one educator must accompany them.
  • The educator maintains responsibility for the overall group’s supervision and coordinates coverage as needed.
• Children Under Distal Supervision
  • Permission via Walkie-Talkie
    • The child must contact their assigned distal supervision educator before leaving the group.
    • The educator confirms permission and records the child’s departure on the ratio board.
  • 5-Minute Timer & Communication
    • Once permission is granted, the educator sets a 5-minute timer.
    • If the child does not return by the 5-minute mark, the educator initiates a check-in via walkie-talkie to the distal group.
    • If the child does not respond or still does not return promptly, the educator goes to check on them with another individual (educator or volunteer).
  • Distal Supervision Outside
    • If the child is outside on distal supervision and needs to enter the building away from the primary group, the Rule of Three applies.
    • This ensures the child is never alone in transitioning from outside to inside restrooms.
• Outside or Field Trips
  • No Unsupervised Restroom Trips
    • Children cannot be sent to the bathroom or locker room alone when off-site.
    • The Rule of Three is always required in these scenarios.
  • Pre-Check of Facilities
    • An educator must inspect restrooms/locker rooms for safety before children enter and maintain at least auditory supervision.
• Additional Guidelines
  • Privacy & Protection
    • When assisting younger children in a stall, keep the door slightly open to maintain visibility and mitigate the risk of unwarranted allegations
    • Educators should position themselves to ensure they can see or hear any activity in restrooms when multiple children are inside.
  • Safety Sweeps & Monitoring
    • Educators perform frequent and irregular sweeps of restrooms, locker rooms, and adjacent areas.
    • Any unused or off-limits areas (closets, storage rooms, etc.) should be locked.
  • Emergencies
    • In urgent situations (e.g., injury, illness), an educator may deviate from standard procedures only to address immediate needs. Another educator should be informed as soon as possible, and the incident must be documented.
  • Conflict with School Policies
    • If a school’s policy contradicts any portion of this document, the school’s policy will override this policy to ensure alignment with the governing facility rules.
• Roles & Responsibilities
  • Educators
    • Adhere to and enforce this policy, including the Rule of Three where required.
    • Maintain accurate ratio boards, communicate departures/returns, and manage the 5-minute timer/check-in process.
    • Use walkie-talkies to stay in contact with children and with each other.
  • Site Coordinators / Program Directors
    • Provide training on the policy and ensure all educators/volunteers understand and comply.
    • Oversee policy compliance, address concerns or violations, and review off-site protocols.
  • Update the policy and related procedures as needed.
  • Volunteers
    • Follow educator instructions, assist with the Rule of Three, and report any concerns or policy violations immediately.
• Compliance and Enforcement
  Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the program or termination of employment/volunteer status. Regular training and monitoring will ensure everyone understands and follows the policy.
• Review and Revision
  This policy shall be reviewed annually (or more frequently, if necessary) by the TOPP KIDS leadership team to maintain alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements. Any updates will be communicated to all stakeholders, including educators, volunteers, parents/guardians, and children, as appropriate.

PRIVATE ACTIVITIES

Putting on bathing suits, taking showers & toileting are all examples of private activities that must be supervised using the “Rule of Three.” When this is not feasible, educators /volunteers should be positioned so that they are visible to others.