Distal Supervision Policy

TOPP KIDS DISTAL SUPERVISION POLICY (DIVISION 2) (HIGH RISK)

PURPOSE
Distal Supervision is designed to provide Division 2 children (Grades 4–6) with a safe environment to develop independence, responsibility, confidence, courage, integrity, and selfbelief. It is a privilege that encourages leadership skills while ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing through careful, intermittent oversight by a TOPP KIDS Primary Staff Member.

Note: Any program wishing to include Distal Supervision must ensure their team has attended a Distal Supervision Training hosted by TOPP KIDS.

1. Definition of Distal Supervision
   • Distal Supervision means children are supervised indirectly and intermittently
     by a Primary Staff Member.
   • All distal programs or locations must be approved by the Regional Manager and
     must be within a licensed/approved space.
   • Primary Staff must be aware of children’s locations at all times.
   • Children must remain in the same supervised area as the main program (e.g., if the main program is indoors, children on Distal Supervision must also stay indoors).

2. Eligibility & Privilege
   • Division 2 (Grades 4–6) only: Children must
     demonstrate responsibility and consistent
     rule-following to qualify.
   • A Distal Supervision: Child Acceptance Form must be signed by both the parent/guardian and a Primary Staff Member.
   • Distal Supervision can be revoked or reinstated at any time by a TOPP KIDS educator if rules are not followed.

3. The Rule of Three
   • Children must always remain in a group of minimum three people while on Distal Supervision.
   • They must continue to follow typical bathroom policies, notifying the educator who is supervising them when a single child needs to go to the bathroom.
   • If more than one child needs to use the bathroom at the same time, an educator must accompany them, ensuring the Rule of Three is upheld.

4. Communication & Check-Ins
   • Point Person: One educator must be designated as the “point person” for the distally supervised children. This educator:
     • Maintains constant communication with the children via walkie-talkie.
     • Periodically checks on them at unscheduled times.
     • Tracks and manages the 15-minute check-in schedule.
     • Ensures all emergency procedures are understood and can be enacted quickly.
   • Check-Ins: Children must also report back every 15 minutes to this point person or another assigned Primary Staff Member.
   • Distal Supervision is limited to a maximum of one hour per day.

5. Sign-In/Sign-Out Procedure
   • Sign-In
     • A child must sign in before starting their Distal Supervision.
     • A Program Coordinator or Primary Staff Member must grant permission to avoid confusion about who is out.
   • Out of Room Board/For
     • The “Point Person” must indicate the number of children on distal supervision on the “Numbers” board or before they leave the main area and communicate this change to all educators loudly or vial walkie-talkie.
   • Checking Back
     • Children must report to the Primary Staff Member or point person every 15 minutes for a check-in.
     • Completion
       • Once they finish, children remove their names or sign out, confirming they have returned to the main supervised area.

6. Accountability & Consequences
   • Responsibility: Distal Supervision is a privilege earned by demonstrating responsible behavior and adherence to TOPP KIDS rules.
   • Immediate Revocation: If any child fails to meet these guidelines—such as missing check-ins, separating from the group without permission, or misusing the walkie-talkies, materials, space, or technology—their Distal Supervision privileges will be immediately revoked.
     
7. Emergency Procedures
   • Separate Drills: Emergency procedures must be practiced separately with children on Distal Supervision and in the designated distal spaces throughout the year.
   • Children should be prepared to quickly regroup with the Primary Staff Member (or point person) during any emergency.

REMEMBER:
Distal Supervision fosters leadership and independence within structured safety measures. Always emphasize consistent communication, regular check-ins, the Rule of Three, and appropriate staff checks. If you have questions, please speak with the Program Coordinator or a Primary Staff Member.