Potty Training Procedures

Bladder and bowel training is a developmental skill. Each child ultimately teaches himself or herself. However, when your child shows the first signs of readiness cooperation between the school and the home can teach this learned skill quickly, easily and without trauma (to parent, child or teachers).

To begin potty training the child must be physically ready. They must have voluntary control of the bladder and bowel. This is usually manifested by a long time between urinations, waking up dry from naps, regular bowel movements and have the desire to sit on the potty and wear 'big kid underwear.'

When your child is ready..........
We will need the following items at school:

We will offer support, peer support and positive reinforcement of success. Accidents will occur. "Failure" to use the potty is not a FAILURE. No anger or disappointment will be expressed by the staff. When the child expresses the need to 'potty' they will be tended to immediately. The staff will also remind the child to go potty often, before and after each activity.

Clothes worn to school at this time should be easy for both the child and teacher to remove quickly. Clothing that is easily taken down, elastic topped pants and shorts (no straps, belts, buttons, snaps, overalls), dresses for girls are very practical. Think about how your child can remove the clothing themselves.

Both girls and boys will learn to use the potty in a sitting position. They will learn to use toilet paper and after a bowel movement they will be checked by the teacher for cleanliness. Hands will be washed with soap and water after each attempt.

The same procedure should be followed at home. Respond immediately to your child's need to go. Be patient, Be positive. Your child WILL decide they have to go to the bathroom five minutes AFTER you left home and are in the car or in line at the store! You will soon learn where the bathrooms are in all stores! You will join the legion of Parents Being Potty-Trained!!! Keep your sense of humor and keep plenty of plastic bags and wipes handy.

Communication will be extremely important between the school and home at this time. We will send home daily progress reports. Remember that your child will succeed at their own pace. If it doesn't work the first time, no one has failed... your child just isn't ready. Soon enough they will be!!!

All attempts and successes will be rewarded with stamps, stickers, YAH-HOOS, ringing of a bell and/or sweet treats. Please inform us of any objections to any of these rewards. Thank You!