Subject:

Support Statewide Protocols on Diapering and Toileting in Schools

Dear Legislator, 

As a constituent who is concerned with the health and safety of both students and staff in our public schools, I urge you to support S.9147-A (Mannion)/A.9777-A (Benedetto), which requires the commissioner of education to establish uniform statewide protocols for the diapering and toileting of students.

There is no clearly defined state law or regulation addressing toileting in public schools. Proper hygienic care, ensuring that school staff remain safe and preserving the dignity of students in need of toileting or diapering assistance must always be maintained.

Students of various ages and abilities may need assistance with toileting and diapering. School staff may be available and/or familiar with assisting students with physical challenges or severe disabilities, however, creating safe, appropriate and uniform standards for teachers, school nurses, classroom aides or caregivers to follow will ensure that students and staff remain safe throughout the process.

Additionally, educators in traditional public schools have reported that the prevalence of students over the age of four who are not potty trained before starting elementary school is on the rise. Not only are teachers seeing more kindergarten students coming to school in diapers, but older students are having accidents as well.

Traditionally, policies of this kind focus on younger children in daycare and preschool classroom settings, however, the Buffalo Teachers Federation recently reported 43 children were not potty trained efficiently, leading to accidents and teasing from classmates.

Protocols must be put into place to ensure the safety of students and to provide staff with the appropriate training and supplies necessary. Personal protective equipment like gloves, wipes and gowns must be provided to classroom aides, special education staff, and school nurses for instances where they are required to help students who need toileting and diapering assistance. Currently, there are no statewide protocols for the diapering and toileting of students in k-12 education. The lack of uniform procedures puts the health and safety of school staff and students at risk.

Thank you for your consideration of these important issues. I respectfully ask that you bring up these issues with your conference, and I would greatly appreciate a response to this email.

Sincerely,

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