Does my child need to be potty trained?

No.

As a preschool that welcomes children in any stage of their “toilet learning” journey and varying abilities, we are aware that some preschoolers will require more bathroom help than others. It is not unusual for preschoolers to attend preschool in diapers and Pull-Ups. We are intentional about teaching children that diapers and wipes are not “just for babies” and that people of all ages use them. Please let us know about any bathroom supplies your child uses. If you choose, you can send them along from home or preschool can provide supplies.

In accordance with state regulations, the only 2 adults who assist with toilet needs are Kristin Neufeld Epp (Director/Lead Teacher) and Brenda Mays (Classroom Assistant). Preschoolers use the bathroom connected to our classroom. With the door open, the toilet and sink are visible from the classroom. Preschoolers are allowed to keep the door open or closed when they are alone. Staff will not enter the bathroom unless a child has requested help in which case Kristin or Brenda will attend to the child and alert the other. 

Parents/guardians are asked to communicate their preschooler’s bathroom needs with Kristin including what terms are used for the toilet, urine and feces as well as how the child usually uses the bathroom (sitting, standing, forwards, backwards, help with wiping, etc). We usually use “potty, bathroom, pee, pee-pee, poop, etc”, the general term of “bottom” and more scientific terms of “penis, testicles, vagina, vulva, etc” as is appropriate and natural in conversation. Parents/guardians are notified whenever help is given during bathroom time (wiping, clothing, changing, etc).

If a child becomes agitated at using the bathroom alone or with staff near, parent/guardian is notified. According to state regulations, we are not able to wash or rinse soiled clothes so when a child has an accident, soiled clothes are bagged up and sent home. There is no shaming or disappointment expressed in cases of accidents, as we recognize the normalcy of them.