Toileting Transition Plan
Why we have a transition plan:
Learning to use the toilet it is a very big event in your child’s life. In order to support this complex process, parents and caregivers must decide on a time to approach this milestone together and take into consideration many things; such as the child’s readiness and the best course of action. In supporting the child with clear communication and consistency, we can help them to be successful.
When the transition plan applies:
Should a child exhibit readiness and are considered to be in the toilet training years (2-4 years), parents and caregivers will discuss the child's readiness and individual plan. A primary caregiver will be established for consistent communication with parents.
How to tell if your child is ready:
You child displays signs that he or she is ready to potty train when he or she:
- Follows simple directions.
- Remains dry for at least 2 hours at a time during the day.
- Dry after nap time.
- Regular and predictable bowel movements (Some may have bowel movements every day and some may only go every 2-3 days).
- Walks to and from the bathroom, pulls down own pants and pulls them up again without teacher or parent assistance.
- Should be wiping themselves without teacher or parent assistance by age 3. We may offer a baby wipe to help support this skill.
- Seems uncomfortable with soiled or wet diapers.
- Seems interested in the toilet.
- Has asked to wear grown-up underwear.
If the child has most of these skills, then they are probably ready to start toilet training. If they do not have these most of skills or have a negative reaction to toilet training, wait a few weeks or months until most of the skills are checked off.
Toilet training is most successful when the child is ready. Beginning the process before the child is ready can result in tears, frustration and a negative association with the entire process.
Positive Toilet Training Techniques:
- We will approach the child in a calm and easy going manner.
- We will learn the terminology used by the child’s family for parts of the body, urine and bowel movements in order to maintain consistency between home and school.
- We will consult with family about strategies used at home.
- We will acknowledge and reinforce the child’s success throughout the many steps of toilet training: discussing, undressing, going, wiping, dressing, flushing, hand washing.
- We will help the child recognize when they are urinating or have a bowel movement. Awareness of this action is crucial to the entire process.
- Children will be encouraged to watch others, who are also toilet training, discuss the many steps of the process and to practice each step without actually using the toilet. (Pretend Play)
- We will include toilet training into the daily routine by reading books, singing songs and playing games that reinforce the skills needed to toilet train.
- We will supervise children at all times while toilet training.
- Diapers/Pull-ups will be used for field trips or when we have special guests/presentations or days where toileting may be difficult.
- Children will never be forced to sit on the toilet against their will or for long periods of time if they do not want to. Negative feelings and power struggles surrounding the entire toilet training can lead to delays in the process.
Parent’s Responsibility:
- Notice of Intent - We need at least 1 week notice to ensure that we can concentrate on 1-2 toilet training children at a time. Willow Tree School may ask you to delay your toilet training plans if we already have several toilet training children at school.
- Completed Toilet Training Checklist and discussion with teacher will take place prior to toilet training at school.
- 5-6 Changes of clothes for toilet training children need to be at school at all times. Soiled clothing will be sent home daily.
- Dress child in easy to remove clothing that can help the child to be successful in self dressing and undressing (i.e. no overalls, easy buttons and snaps etc.).
- Please notify teachers of any set backs the child encounters at home, as well as any tools the family opts to use to encourage the child’s success (padded underwear, etc.).
Sanitation and Safety:
Wet or dirty cloths will be placed in a plastic bag that can be sealed tightly. Rinsing soiled garments is discouraged because there is more of an opportunity to contaminate hands and other surfaces. Each child should have a complete set of extra cloths at school.
Encourage children to wipe from front to back.
Caregivers and children will properly wash hands after toileting, helping with toileting, cleaning area and handling contaminated items.
Children will not be punished for accidents