Direct Supervision

[Lyss]

My regs say sight and/or sound but I'm always in direct sight unless they are napping (I check every 10 minutes) or I'm in the bathroom (I make sure everyone is at the table or in pnp/super yard for toddlers).

I guess I never thought about when the kids go to the bathroom, I can hear them but I don't stand and watch them.

Admittedly I let DD (20mo) play alone in her room sometimes and out back alone if she wakes up from nap early while I get snack ready or clean up dishes but I can hear her in her room (its off playroom) and see her through the window when she's out back. I'd never do this with a DCK! There is too much that could go wrong and it only takes a split second for something to happen.

[JoseyJo]

I voted sight OR sound- BUT I think that there are many times when it needs to be sight AND sound- with any child under 2, any new child, any child with disciplinary issues, when doing anything that has a higher level of danger (like eating, art, etc). I don't see how anyone could say sight AND sound ALL time time unless they have a full time assistant- how do you go pee???

[CedarCreek]

I voted indirect also.

I let my kiddos potty by themselves and I don't directly supervise constantly during naps.

I will say though, i've had a couple of accidents this year when I was right there with them! A couple were just poor clumsy toddlers falling down after tripping over their own feet. Then today,ds's feeding tube coming out at the hands of a dcb happened so quickly, all I had time to do was reach and say "no!" But it was already done.

[Leanna]

I voted direct supervision because this is both what my state requires and what I believe is best.

The only exceptions NYS allows:
My state allows children who are fully capable of going potty, wiping, and washing hands to go to the potty alone (I also allow this when I know a child can handle it and can be 100% trusted).

My state allows children to nap in a separate room with the doors open and a monitor on (I do NOT allow this. All children nap in a room with me supervising. The only time I leave the room when they are napping is to use the restroom myself. I make sure everyone is sleeping and I take a monitor with me and HURRY).

My state allows school-age children to be in a different room or outside without the provider as long as they are physically checked on every 15 minutes. (I do NOT allow children of any age to play outdoors without me but I do allow some of my trusted school-agers to be in the playroom during nap.

My house is very small and I can see the children in the living room from the kitchen.When we are in the playroom or outside I am DIRECTLY supervising them. I have been doing family child care for six years and I have never had any destruction of property or accidents/injuries occur out of my supervision. Property damage is one thing, but if one of these children got hurt and I didn't see it, know exactly what happened, and be able to respond right away I wouldn't even wait for the state, I'd close up shop myself!

I noticed a few NYS providers posted that they (the provider) can use the bathroom by themselves. I have been told that this is a no-no and that we must take the kids with us. This is why I wait until nap!

[Play Care]

I voted direct supervision because this is both what my state requires and what I believe is best.

The only exceptions NYS allows:
My state allows children who are fully capable of going potty, wiping, and washing hands to go to the potty alone (I also allow this when I know a child can handle it and can be 100% trusted).

My state allows children to nap in a separate room with the doors open and a monitor on (I do NOT allow this. All children nap in a room with me supervising. The only time I leave the room when they are napping is to use the restroom myself. I make sure everyone is sleeping and I take a monitor with me and HURRY).

My state allows school-age children to be in a different room or outside without the provider as long as they are physically checked on every 15 minutes. (I do NOT allow children of any age to play outdoors without me but I do allow some of my trusted school-agers to be in the playroom during nap.

My house is very small and I can see the children in the living room from the kitchen.When we are in the playroom or outside I am DIRECTLY supervising them. I have been doing family child care for six years and I have never had any destruction of property or accidents/injuries occur out of my supervision. Property damage is one thing, but if one of these children got hurt and I didn't see it, know exactly what happened, and be able to respond right away I wouldn't even wait for the state, I'd close up shop myself!

I noticed a few NYS providers posted that they (the provider) can use the bathroom by themselves. I have been told that this is a no-no and that we must take the kids with us. This is why I wait until nap!

I will get the exact reg later on (I just started my coffee! ) but it does allow for a provider to use the bathroom without the kids! It does say that it would PREFER that another adult supervise the children while the provider uses the bathroom, but understands this isn't always the case. They know we are mostly here alone, they gave us a license for it. Now, does this mean we can leave kids where ever to use the bathroom? No. If someone gets hurt you are still liable. So years ago I developed my "potty plan" Infants and young toddlers are always "put up" for safety in an area they can't be reached by the other children. Older toddlers and young preschoolers are put up in the high chairs/booster seats with special "table toys" specifically for this purpose. Older preschoolers who can handle it are able to continue to play where they are - but this is something that I make clear is for kids who can handle it. And then I go quickly!

I know where the OP is coming from, I cringe when I hear providers say "but I just turned my back for a minute!" with kids they admit are having issues. I am here on a daily basis by myself, so I'm not going to try to blow smoke up anyone's behind about how I have eyes and ears everywhere as if I'm omnipotent. I think what providers absolutely need to plan for is those times when they CAN'T be eyes on. Because to say it *never* happens is unrealistic. Even providers on this thread who said they "always" are eyes on/direct supervisors admit that there are times they can not or won't directly supervise (older children using the bathroom independently). I will say I have NEVER had a child injured on my watch or had property destroyed and had no idea what happened! Mostly because of eyes on supervision, but also a plan for when I can't!

Just looked up the reg it says:

*If there is no other adult in the family day care home, the office recommends the provider interest the children in an activity in a location close enough to the bathroom that would allow the provider to hear the children. If the children are close enough in location that the provider can temporarily supervise the children through auditory means, this will be considered an acceptable alternative to visual supervision for this single purpose. the children should always be told where the provider will be in case they need her/him immediately.

ETA: My "potty plan" has the kids at the kitchen table and dining room, both of which are right by the bathroom. The older kids are on one side, the youngers are on the other and I have the door slightly open. Completely within regs!

[Cradle2crayons]

I voted indirect also.

I let my kiddos potty by themselves and I don't directly supervise constantly during naps.

I will say though, i've had a couple of accidents this year when I was right there with them! A couple were just poor clumsy toddlers falling down after tripping over their own feet. Then today,ds's feeding tube coming out at the hands of a dcb happened so quickly, all I had time to do was reach and say "no!" But it was already done.

On a rare day I only had special dcg and her newborn brother, and because mom paid transportation and extra, I took the special one to three doc appointments yesterday. They were ones that couldn't be scheduled around mom.

And the special needle stick team came to draw blood cultures on her with an ultrasound... These people know girl very well. Anyway, they grabbed her out of my lap and snatched her Mickey j feeding tube right out of that tummy!! So not only was she mad they were gonna stick her but I had to out her feeding tube back in as well. She just had it upsized a few weeks ago and they never told mom they out 5cc in the balloon instead of her usual 3 cc and also never gave mom a 5cc syringe to replace the 3cc syringe with. Luckily I always have new sterile extras in my own bag. Because I used her standard 3cc syringe to deflate the balloon and it didn't completely deflate so I had to improvise and thank goodness I had a 5cc syringe . Dcg was NOT a happy camper

[Familycare71]

I voted direct supervision because this is both what my state requires and what I believe is best.

The only exceptions NYS allows:
My state allows children who are fully capable of going potty, wiping, and washing hands to go to the potty alone (I also allow this when I know a child can handle it and can be 100% trusted).

My state allows children to nap in a separate room with the doors open and a monitor on (I do NOT allow this. All children nap in a room with me supervising. The only time I leave the room when they are napping is to use the restroom myself. I make sure everyone is sleeping and I take a monitor with me and HURRY).

My state allows school-age children to be in a different room or outside without the provider as long as they are physically checked on every 15 minutes. (I do NOT allow children of any age to play outdoors without me but I do allow some of my trusted school-agers to be in the playroom during nap.

My house is very small and I can see the children in the living room from the kitchen.When we are in the playroom or outside I am DIRECTLY supervising them. I have been doing family child care for six years and I have never had any destruction of property or accidents/injuries occur out of my supervision. Property damage is one thing, but if one of these children got hurt and I didn't see it, know exactly what happened, and be able to respond right away I wouldn't even wait for the state, I'd close up shop myself!

I noticed a few NYS providers posted that they (the provider) can use the bathroom by themselves. I have been told that this is a no-no and that we must take the kids with us. This is why I wait until nap!

I actually had a registrar look into it for me- it is 100% allowed. In addition to our regs there is a book of "sub regs" that go into more detail- that is where she found it. I think I still have it- pm me your email address if you want me to forward it to you

[Play Care]

I actually had a registrar look into it for me- it is 100% allowed. In addition to our regs there is a book of "sub regs" that go into more detail- that is where she found it. I think I still have it- pm me your email address if you want me to forward it to you

My licensor came out and told me that legally they can't tell us we can't use the bathroom. But they can make us have a plan for it.

[Familycare71]

I will get the exact reg later on (I just started my coffee! ) but it does allow for a provider to use the bathroom without the kids! It does say that it would PREFER that another adult supervise the children while the provider uses the bathroom, but understands this isn't always the case. They know we are mostly here alone, they gave us a license for it. Now, does this mean we can leave kids where ever to use the bathroom? No. If someone gets hurt you are still liable. So years ago I developed my "potty plan" Infants and young toddlers are always "put up" for safety in an area they can't be reached by the other children. Older toddlers and young preschoolers are put up in the high chairs/booster seats with special "table toys" specifically for this purpose. Older preschoolers who can handle it are able to continue to play where they are - but this is something that I make clear is for kids who can handle it. And then I go quickly!

I know where the OP is coming from, I cringe when I hear providers say "but I just turned my back for a minute!" with kids they admit are having issues. I am here on a daily basis by myself, so I'm not going to try to blow smoke up anyone's behind about how I have eyes and ears everywhere as if I'm omnipotent. I think what providers absolutely need to plan for is those times when they CAN'T be eyes on. Because to say it *never* happens is unrealistic. Even providers on this thread who said they "always" are eyes on/direct supervisors admit that there are times they can not or won't directly supervise (older children using the bathroom independently). I will say I have NEVER had a child injured on my watch or had property destroyed and had no idea what happened! Mostly because of eyes on supervision, but also a plan for when I can't!

Just looked up the reg it says:

*If there is no other adult in the family day care home, the office recommends the provider interest the children in an activity in a location close enough to the bathroom that would allow the provider to hear the children. If the children are close enough in location that the provider can temporarily supervise the children through auditory means, this will be considered an acceptable alternative to visual supervision for this single purpose. the children should always be told where the provider will be in case they need her/him immediately.

ETA: My "potty plan" has the kids at the kitchen table and dining room, both of which are right by the bathroom. The older kids are on one side, the youngers are on the other and I have the door slightly open. Completely within regs!

. THANK YOU!! - exactly what my registrar sent

[MCC]

Exactly. My potty trained kids use the bathroom independently. Now, I pay attention to who is in the bathroom and how long they've been in there, but I don't go in unless they call and need assistance. When I worked in a preschool we were not allowed to be in the bathroom with the kids. :confused:

Under 5 is a reg.

[LK5kids]

My state allows sight or sound. I did put sight and sound, but then I realized I have the baby in a pnp in one room and the toddler in a pnp in the other room. So I can see all kids at all times except when I or they use the bathroom and these two nappers.

My state allows kids to be outside if you are inside and can watch them, which I would never, ever do!

[LaLa1923]

Here in MD they require you to be within sight OR sound. I have cameras set up and can see from every point inside and out. (except my room and bathrooms)
I can also hear everything in my home, it's all on one floor and it isn't very big. For the most part, I rotate my kiddos from one playroom to another playroom. This keeps them busy and mixes up my trouble makers...

If I go to the bathroom I put the babies in the superyard. My SA kids can play outside without me. I do get a permission slip for this. They are only allowed to go in the yard with the cameras. I can see and hear them even without the camera. They all nap in separate rooms and I check on them during nap.

I can't be in both playrooms at once, but I can still see and hear everything. happyface

[Cat Herder]

My State is a direct supervision state (sight and/or reasonable sound). This can be open to interpretation to each inspector. Always go for more, less WILL backfire, badly.

Naptime is supervised. Yes, I watch them sleep. All in one room, everyday. The playroom has permanent half-walls that divide Infant areas from Toddler areas. I do not keep school aged kids.

I cook in advance (up at 5am, open at 8am) and keep warm to minimize time in the kitchen during daycare hours. Drinks are ready (3 per child for milk, water, juice) in color coded cups in the playroom fridge. Bottles the same. The kitchen must be within view of the playroom or I'd have to bring them with me to plate food.

I am allowed potty breaks (mine and theirs) with "reasonable accommodation". Infants in cribs, toddlers behind locked gates in an approved child proofed room. Power Pee is the name of the game.

Playground must be fenced, no child allowed outside of the approved play ground area during daycare hours... mine included. Direct supervision is a huge deal outdoors.

[Leanna]

I will get the exact reg later on (I just started my coffee! ) but it does allow for a provider to use the bathroom without the kids! It does say that it would PREFER that another adult supervise the children while the provider uses the bathroom, but understands this isn't always the case. They know we are mostly here alone, they gave us a license for it. Now, does this mean we can leave kids where ever to use the bathroom? No. If someone gets hurt you are still liable. So years ago I developed my "potty plan" Infants and young toddlers are always "put up" for safety in an area they can't be reached by the other children. Older toddlers and young preschoolers are put up in the high chairs/booster seats with special "table toys" specifically for this purpose. Older preschoolers who can handle it are able to continue to play where they are - but this is something that I make clear is for kids who can handle it. And then I go quickly!

I know where the OP is coming from, I cringe when I hear providers say "but I just turned my back for a minute!" with kids they admit are having issues. I am here on a daily basis by myself, so I'm not going to try to blow smoke up anyone's behind about how I have eyes and ears everywhere as if I'm omnipotent. I think what providers absolutely need to plan for is those times when they CAN'T be eyes on. Because to say it *never* happens is unrealistic. Even providers on this thread who said they "always" are eyes on/direct supervisors admit that there are times they can not or won't directly supervise (older children using the bathroom independently). I will say I have NEVER had a child injured on my watch or had property destroyed and had no idea what happened! Mostly because of eyes on supervision, but also a plan for when I can't!

Just looked up the reg it says:

*If there is no other adult in the family day care home, the office recommends the provider interest the children in an activity in a location close enough to the bathroom that would allow the provider to hear the children. If the children are close enough in location that the provider can temporarily supervise the children through auditory means, this will be considered an acceptable alternative to visual supervision for this single purpose. the children should always be told where the provider will be in case they need her/him immediately.

ETA: My "potty plan" has the kids at the kitchen table and dining room, both of which are right by the bathroom. The older kids are on one side, the youngers are on the other and I have the door slightly open. Completely within regs!

Where did you find this? If this is true my bladder thanks you! (PMing you!)

[Heidi]

My state says sight OR sound, and this is what I do, except outside, where unless they are school-age, it's sight AND sound.

My house is very small, so occasionally the children are in the playroom, and I can start lunch (in the kitchen about 15 feet away). I keep my ears open and check frequently. If I have a child with behavior issues such as hitting or biting, I modify.

I have 4 kids, and right now all are under 2. The youngest stays by me at all times.

When I had a larger group, and a bigger age mixture, I'd bring them all into the kitchen and have them do puzzles or color something similar while I made lunch. My current group just throws everything on the floor, and one-by-one start wailing for lunch, making very unpleasant, to say the least.

Bathroom; I leave the door partly open (and the light off), unless there is another adult in the house.