I was teaching a “Little Yogis” class for ages 4-6. During Savasana, a 5-year-old quietly got up, opened the studio door, and walked out into the busy parking lot. A parent arriving for the next class found him wandering near the road. The parents sued me for “Negligent Supervision” and “Child Endangerment,” claiming I failed my primary duty of care: keeping the children inside the room.
Key Takeaways
- “Elopement” Liability: In insurance terms, a child wandering off is called “elopement.” It is a massive liability trigger for youth programs.
- Door Alarms are Mandatory: If you don’t have a chime on the door, you are likely negligent.
- Supervision Ratios: Did you violate the 1:10 ratio required by your policy? If you were alone with 20 kids, coverage might be void.
- Bathroom Protocols: Never let a child go to the bathroom alone without a “hall monitor” or “line of sight” protocol.
The “Why”: The Failure to Supervise Exclusion
The Trap:
Standard General Liability covers slip-and-falls.
It often excludes “Professional Liability” for childcare services unless endorsed.
Furthermore, if you violated state laws regarding childcare ratios (which often apply to gym daycares), the “Illegal Acts” exclusion kicks in.
You need a policy that explicitly covers “Youth Instruction” and includes “Abuse and Molestation” (as supervision failures often fall under this umbrella in legal filings).
The Investigation: I Quoted 3 Major Carriers
1. Markel (Camp/Youth Specialist)
- My Analysis: They are the experts in “elopement.” They require a strict check-in/check-out log. If you can’t produce the log showing who picked up the child, they might fight the claim.
2. Philadelphia Insurance (PHLY)
- My Analysis: They mandate the “Rule of Two.” Two adults present at all times. If you are a solo teacher with a room full of kids, PHLY might not write you, or they might deny a supervision claim.
3. beYogi
- My Analysis: They cover kids yoga, but their policy is clearer on injury than elopement. I asked the agent: “If a kid runs away, is that covered?” They said yes, under Professional Liability (Failure to Supervise), but limits are shared with your general aggregate.
[IMAGE: Photo of a “Door Chime/Alarm” installed at kid-height]
Comparison Table: Youth Supervision
| Carrier | Requires “Rule of Two”? | Covers Elopement? | Ratios |
| Markel | Yes | Yes | Strict |
| PHLY | Yes | Yes | Strict |
| beYogi | Recommended | Yes | Flexible |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Install Door Alarms: A $10 battery-operated chime saves you from a $1M lawsuit.
- Check-In/Out Log: Parent signature required at drop-off and pick-up. No exceptions.
- The “Bathroom” Rule: If a kid needs to go, the whole class pauses, or an assistant takes them. Never send them out the door alone.
- Update Policy: Ensure “Youth Yoga” is listed as a designated activity.
FAQ
Can I ask parents to stay?
Yes, and it reduces liability significantly.
What if a non-parent tries to pick them up?
Check ID against the authorized pickup list. If you release to the wrong person, that is catastrophic negligence.
Does this cover bullying?
Yes, “Failure to protect” is a supervision claim.