14. Restrooms and Bath Facilities

Question 1

Restroom Facilities

Answer 1

~ each child care facility must provide and maintain bathroom facilities that are easily accessible and at a height useable by the children
~ if necessary, platforms may be used to help children reach the facilities as long as they are safely constructed and have an impervious surface that can be easily cleaned and sanitized
~ potty chairs may be used in addition to the toilet requirements but must be clean and sanitized or disinfected after each use
~ bathrooms cannot open directly into food preparation areas
~ each toilet and sink must be cleaned and sanitized or disinfected at a minimum of once per day or as needed
~ sinks used for brushing teeth must be sanitized prior to use

Question 2

There must be a sufficient number of toilets and sinks for the number of children in care.

Answer 2

For the first 15 children = 1 toilet | 1 sink
For each additional 30 children = +1 toilet | +1 sink
For every 30 infants, if only diapered infants are in care = 1 toilet | 2 sinks

Sink = wash basin

Question 3

Licensing capacity is based on the number of toilets and sinks in the child care facility.

Answer 3

• If there are 64 children in the child care program, there must be at least 3 toilets and 3 sinks.
• 1 toilet and 1 sink (first 15 children) + 1 toilet and 1 sink (additional 30 children) + 1 toilet and 1 sink (additional 19 children) = 3 toilets and 3 sinks for 64 children

Question 4

Bathroom and/or Handwashing Area

Answer 4

~ must have running water, soap, trash receptacles, toilet paper, and disposable towels or properly installed and maintained hand-drying machines within reach of the children using the bathroom

Question 5

Supervision

Answer 5

~ all children must be accounted for, so it is important to know when children are using the bathroom
~ children must be adequately supervised based on their age and needs while toileting
~ children may need help using the bathroom or getting dressed when they are done using the bathroom

Question 6

Bath Facilities

Answer 6

~ every child care facility must have at least one portable or permanent bath facility available in case a child needs to be bathed
~ the bath must be in good condition, and must be cleaned and sanitized or disinfected after each use