Toileting policy.

Aims

To limit the possibilities of the spread of infection and to encourage independence in children. Consistent approaches between the home and the centre environment allow children to gain confidence in their abilities and develop independence with their toileting skills. This consistent approach allows children to identify appropriate hygiene and toileting practices that will reduce the spread of infectious disease. Toileting facilities and practices that ensure ease of access, good supervision and support for children will enable children to develop toileting skills within a safe and secure environment. Routine and self-help activities enable educators to promote children's learning, meet individual need and develop strong trusting relationships with children.

Purpose: To maintain a high standard of hygiene while allowing children to carry out their own toileting routine.

To ensure the health of educators and children in the centre.

Implementation: Toilet Trainers

1. Educators are to consult with families to develop a consistent approach to toilet training which is individually and culturally appropriate. Ask families to supply clean changes of clothing.

2. Ensure children are encouraged to use the toilet regularly.

3. Assist children in undressing if needed but encourage independence by encouraging them in doing it themselves.

4. Ensure toilet seat is down for children that sit down on the toilet.

5. If soiled, educators to put on gloves and wipe children's bottoms. If wet encourage children to wipe themselves (Wiping front to back).

6. Assist children in pulling up pants and again encourage them to do it themselves.

7. Have children flush the toilet.

8. Children and educators should wash hands with soap and water and dry with a paper towel.

9. Never punish or embarrass children for their accidents.

Disposable gloves should be used for all of these stages in the toileting procedure:

1. Help child to remove clothing if needed.

2. Help child onto toilet if needed. (potty chairs are not recommended because they increase the risk of spreading infection).

3. Help the child to wipe themselves, encouraging them to wipe from front to back.

4. Encourage the child to flush the toilet themselves.

5. Encourage the child to wash and dry hands-on single sheet of paper towel, and then to leave the bathroom.

6. Explain to children that washing and drying their hands properly will stop germs that might make them sick.

7. Always do your own hand hygiene after helping children use the toilet.

If the child has soiled or wet their clothing:

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1. Remove any wet/soiled clothing and seal in a bag for washing. It must be double bagged.

2. Clean and dry the child.

3. Remove your gloves and wash hands, do not touch the child’s clean clothing.

4. Put on new gloves and dress the child, wash, and dry the child’s hands, encouraging them to do it themselves where possible. Have them leave the bathroom.

5. Clean any spills following procedure for cleaning spills of body fluids.

6. Remove and dispose of gloves, wash, and dry your hands.

Independent Toileters

1. Bathrooms are accessible to all children during the day allowing children to use as needed, ensuring children in the bathroom are being supervised.

2. Offer assistance if necessary and ensure children in the bathroom are always supervised.

3. Ensure children dress properly, flush toilet and wash hands.

4. Never punish or embarrass children for their accidents.

Strategies

The Approved Provider will

• Ensure that the Centre has adequate toilet, washing and drying facilities that are developmentally and age appropriate. The location and design of these facilities must enable safe and convenient use by children, including children with additional needs.

• Ensure that toilet areas are designed and maintained in a way that gives accessibility for the supervision of children at all times having regard to children's safety, dignity, and rights.

The Nominated Supervisor will

• Advise families on enrolment, and when a child commences toilet training, to provide several changes of clothes each day.

• Ensure a risk assessment occurs prior to an excursion to check the availability and suitability of toileting facilities.

• Develop an information package on toilet training to be available to families. This will include information on positive toileting, the need for consistency and strategies to help make the toileting experience positive for both the family and the child.

Educators will

• Observe children for signs of toileting awareness. If a child is starting to show an interest in toileting, educators will consult with families and develop consistent strategies with the family for approaching the child's toileting needs. These strategies will reflect the home environment and be culturally sensitive.

• Remind families that toileting accidents are common and both successful and unsuccessful toileting attempts need to be supported in a positive manner.

• Support children with soiled or wet clothing. Educators will put on gloves and assist the child to remove their clothing. Any waste will be placed in the toilet. All wet or soiled clothing will be placed in two sealable bags. The child's name will be written on the bag and it will be placed away from the children's play spaces for collection by the family.

• Ensure the bathroom areas are clean and hygienic for the children to use. Toileting areas will be cleaned regularly during the day. Educators are responsible for spot cleaning the bathroom areas throughout the day. At all times of the day, educators will oversee the bathroom areas to ensure cleanliness and reduce the spread of infectious diseases.

• Encourage and positively guide children through the toileting process. Educators will verbally prompt children through the toileting process

• Consider and seek to accommodate children's individual needs for privacy while maintaining appropriate supervision.

• Wear gloves at all times when assisting a child with toileting. They will encourage children to remove necessary clothing and assist with this process as needed.

• Make a step available to assist children to independently sit on a toilet, maintaining supervision throughout to ensure safety and provide support as required.

• Encourage children to use their developing self-help skills during toileting experiences.

• Provide visual aids in all bathrooms to assist the children with toileting procedures.

• Encourage children to use toilet paper and wipe from front to back. Educators will respectfully assist children as required during this process.

• Remind children to flush the toilet and replace clothing, helping when needed.

• Remove and dispose of gloves and wash your hands using recommended practice after assisting children with toileting.

• Remind and assist children to wash their hands with soap and water while singing a favourite song (i.e., Happy Birthday). Children will be encouraged to dry their hands using paper towel. Bins will be provided for the children to dispose of the paper towel.

• Never force a child to sit on a toilet or leave a child in soiled or wet clothing. If a child is showing distress about using the toilet, educators will respect the child's needs and emotions and implement alternative method of toileting in consultation with the family.

• Never punish or embarrass a child for their accidents.

Source: Education and Care Services National Regulations

Staying Healthy - Preventing Infectious Diseases in Early Childhood Education and Care Services 6th Edition

This policy is the property of Eikoh Seminar Australia Pty Limited and must not be reproduced without the consent of management.