Standard 2: Child Safety Operations

b. If a restroom has only one stall, only one child should enter while others wait outside. If a restroom has multiple stalls, only as many children as stalls should be allowed in the restroom at one time. Restroom doors should be propped open when not in use if possible. Children older than three (3) should be instructed to use the privacy of closed bathroom doors while using the restroom independently. Only female ministry workers may provide assistance to children using the restroom as needed if the child is (3) years old or younger (or has special needs requiring assistance) and should use a "children's only" restroom when possible. If, for any reason, an adult needs to enter the children's only bathroom, then the "rule of two" applies.

Sample 2

Basic Needs Procedures

1. Diaper changing
   • To be done by screened, female, adult workers only.
   • To be done in the presence of another screened adult only.
   • Follow basic diapering instructions as posted in each classroom with a changing station.
   • Follow any specific instructions given by parents at drop off.
2. Preschool age bathroom breaks
   • Only screened, female, adult workers may assist with restroom issues.
   • Keep the outer door of the bathroom cracked open while a preschooler is in the restroom.
   • Encourage the preschooler to do everything they can for themselves.
   • In the case of an accident, help the preschooler to dress in clean clothes. If they do not have clean clothes, see a [ORG NAME] Kids Min staff member for assistance.
3. Elementary Age Bathroom Breaks
   • Only screened adults may escort children to the restroom.
   • Never take a child alone to the restroom. You must be accompanied by another screened adult worker or other children.
   • Never enter the restroom with the children. If the restroom has multiple stalls with locking doors, stand at the outer door with it cracked open. If it is a single-stall bathroom, stand just outside the closed door.
   • If a child asks for help, you can help with outer clothing, but do not help them with undergarments or with cleaning themselves. If a child needs assistance with this, seek a [ORG NAME] Kids Min staff member, and the parents will be contacted to come help.

Sample 3

Restroom Supervision and Assistance

Infants and Younger Preschoolers

Because infants and younger preschoolers require complete or significant assistance with restroom activities, all volunteers and employees will observe the following policies:

Diapering

• Only approved volunteers/employees or the infant’s parent or legal guardian diaper infants. Changing of diapers is only to be done in plain sight of other volunteers/employees.
• Infants are never left unattended on changing tables.
• Follow all instructions provided in the classroom by parents on registration cards.
• Infants are re-diapered and re-clothed immediately upon the completion of changing their soiled diaper.
• Infants are changed on changing stations only.
• Changing stations are completely sanitized and hands washed thoroughly (even if gloves are used) after each diapering.

Toilet Training

• No younger preschoolers will be forced to toilet train.
• Only approved volunteers/employees or the younger preschooler’s parent or legal guardian will participate in toilet training efforts.
• When younger preschoolers are taken into restrooms, the door will be left partially open.
• Younger preschoolers will not be taken alone into a restroom by only one volunteer or employee except when the bathroom door is kept open.
• Younger preschoolers will never be left unattended in a restroom.
• Volunteers and employees should consult with parents on each younger preschooler’s progress in the toilet training process and follow instructions provided by parents.
• Accidents should be handled by reassuring the younger preschooler and completing changing of diapers or underwear and clothing.
• Hands are washed thoroughly (even if gloves are used) after assisting a child in the restroom.

Vulnerable Persons

• Parents/caregivers will be asked to provide instruction to employees or volunteers on how to change the diaper of their child with special needs. After the age of 4, parents may be asked to assist in the diapering of their child.

Children and/or Students

• Minors should be monitored as they come and go to the restroom but must receive the minimum amount of assistance needed based upon their individual capabilities.
• Volunteers or employees should never take a lone minor into a restroom. If an employee or volunteer must go into the restroom to check on a minor, she should seek out a second approved adult to accompany her. If another adult is not available to accompany, she should go to the exterior bathroom door, knock, and ask if the child needs assistance. If the child requires assistance, the worker should leave the exterior bathroom door open when entering the bathroom area and try to verbally assist the minor in completing their activities while the minor remains behind the door of the stall.
• Volunteers, employees, or another minor should never be in a closed stall with a minor.
• Any assistance with the straightening or fastening of garments should be done in a visible area.
• Be aware if a minor repeatedly leaves to use the restroom and stays there for unusual periods of time. Report this behavior to the children/student minister.
• Be mindful of sending multiple minors into a restroom with multiple stalls at the same time. It may be safest and most beneficial to send one minor at a time.
• All minors identifying as a gender other than the gender given at birth will use single use restrooms or the restroom associated with their sex at birth.