Skip to main content

Medina ISD

Home of the Bobcats

Popular Links

Daily Living SOP

Daily Living SOP

Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students: Activities of Daily Living

Students may require assistance with Activities of Daily Living (diapering, toileting and/or feeding) due to developmental level, health, physical or cognitive disabilities. These students may require diapering, toileting or feeding on a scheduled or on an “as needed” basis. These tasks should be performed with dignity and respect for the student in a private and safe setting. Students cannot be denied entry into or removed from any special education program if they have not mastered these skills. 

Due to the wide range of disabilities, both physical and cognitive, and the various ages and physical sizes of students who require these services, these procedures should be tailored to each individual student’s specific needs. Specific toileting plans may be included in the student’s Individualized Education Plan and could include: time intervals, frequency, adult involvement, supports, reinforcers, response to accidents, etc.

Each student that requires support to perform an activity of daily living (toileting, diapering, feeding, etc.) shall have a daily documentation log indicating the following:

  • Activity of daily living skill being supported
  • Who supported the student
  • Location in which the action took place
  • Time in which the activity took place
  • Relevant notes 

The documentation log should be readily available and visible for all classroom staff as well as campus or district administration. A copy of the log should be sent home to parents daily. The classroom teacher should maintain all documentation logs for the current school year.

Additional Materials Required to Support Activities of Daily Living

Toileting/Diapering: Parents are responsible for supplying diapers, wipes, a change of clothing and other necessary supplies for their child. District will supply approved cleaners/wipes for surfaces, gloves and other protective equipment as needed. 

Feeding: Parents are responsible for supplying specific foods/meals should the child not be able to consume the meals provided by the school district.

Positive Instruction

  • Always maintain a positive non-punitive approach to toileting
  • Always treat students with respect and dignity
  • Negative or demeaning comments should not be made
  • Language should be age appropriate

Student/Staff Safety

  • If an assistant is in the stall, stall door remains unlatched
  • Rotate toileting staff
  • Administrators may periodically do unannounced visits to restrooms while students are being changed.
  • Students will be supervised as necessary depending on individual student needs for instruction, assistance or supervision

Additional Procedures

    • A student’s diaper should be changed when wet or soiled and checked prior to bussing/end-of-day pick up.
    • Staff shall check each student’s diaper at least once every two hours and change the diaper promptly if it is wet or soiled. 
    • All necessary equipment and supplies should be easily accessible in the changing area.
    • Bring the student to the changing area.
    • Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—gloves (sleeves and apron if necessary).
    • Prepare the changing area by wiping with a sanitized/disinfectant wipe and/or placing protective paper on the changing surface.
    • Transfer student to changing surface. The plan for doing this should be discussed with the parent prior to diapering the first time.
    • Remove soiled diaper and place in a covered waste receptacle.
    • Clean student using wipes or soap and water.
    • Dispose of soiled gloves and put on a clean pair of gloves.
    • Make sure the student’s clothing is clean and dry. If not, change the student’s clothing and send home soiled clothing in a plastic bag.
    • Place the clean diaper on the student.
    • Transfer the student from the changing area.
    • Supervise children in how to correctly wash their hands after using the bathroom.
    • Remove the changing paper and clean the surface with district-approved cleaner or wipes.
    • Use approved hand-washing techniques to clean your hands.
    • The soiled/wet diaper container should be cleaned and sanitized daily.
    • Cleaning supplies should be kept out of reach of students.
    • Document the time in which the diapering occurred.

    • Escort the student to the bathroom.
    • Put on PPE: gloves (protective sleeves or apron if necessary).
    • Prepare the toilet by wiping it with a sanitized/disinfectant wipe and/or placing protective paper.
    • Assist the student with clothing.
    • Transfer and/or assist the student to the toilet.
    • If required, stabilize the student on the toilet seat.
    • Clean the student when finished.
    • Make sure the student’s clothing is clean and dry. If not, change the student’s clothing and send home soiled clothing in a plastic bag.
    • Remove the gloves and dispose of the soiled gloves.
    • Transfer the student from the toilet.
    • Supervise children in how to correctly wash their hands after using the bathroom.
    • Clean your hands using approved hand-washing techniques.
    • Document the time in which the toileting occurred.

    • All information provided by the family must be adhered to. 
    • For students who require tube feeding, there must be a plan to monitor (ie: check g-tube each hour)
    • For students that do not consume meals in the cafeteria, designate a location within the classroom for meals.
    • Complete the feeding log after each meal or snack.

All staff members, including lead teachers and paraprofessionals, should assist students with activities of daily living. This includes assisting students in learning how to use the restroom properly (clothing on/off, wiping, and handwashing) and be prepared to assist with changing both wet or soiled clothing.