Key Questions

• Do caregivers have experience in toilet training?



• Caregivers and parents jointly develop an individualized plan for toilet training?



• Is toilet training introduced based on the child's developmental stage and not their age?



• Are child-size toilets present? If not, are safe and cleanable steps available for toddlers?



NOTE: Potty chairs are highly discouraged in child care settings because they are hard to keep clean and infections can spread easily.


• Are there enough caregivers (good child:staff ratios) so that a child can get help using the toilet at times when the rest of the group is doing other activities?

Want to know more?

• Are caregivers knowledgeable on developmental signs that a child is ready for toilet training?



Examples of signs of readiness:
• The child expresses interest in toilet activities – asks to use the toilet or states they need to go to the bathroom.
• The child copies parent's behavior while toileting.
• The child can walk and is ready to sit down.
• The child stays dry at least 2 hours at a time or after naps.
• The child can follow simple instructions.
• The child is emotionally ready – s/he isn't fearful or strongly resisting efforts to train.


• Are similar routines followed both at the program and at home?


• Are progress and setbacks shared daily between caregiver and parent?



• Are changes in process agreed upon by both parent and caregiver and followed through at home and at the child care program?


• Is toilet training a part of the daily curriculum?


• Singing songs and reading stories that highlight good toileting skills supports learning.


• Does the caregiver know how to handle accidents with sensitivity?


• Shame, blame and humiliation are NEVER acceptable responses to toileting accidents.


• Do caregivers use the following methods to reduce accidents?



Examples:

• Watching for signs of need: squirming, holding the crotch, passing gas.



• Scheduling enough time for using the toilet so that children are not rushed.



• Planning outings and other activities so that children are not required to "hold it" for more than a few minutes.



• Taking a unisex change of clothes on outings in case of a toileting accident.



• Keeping the bathroom well lit, clean and inviting.



• Ensuring that children can wash their hands comfortably (step stool to the sink, warm water, easy reach to soap and paper towels).



• Helping little boys improve their aim with target practice (a square of toilet paper floating the middle of the toilet bowl, with a bull's eye or an X drawn on it).



• If a child's stools are loose, make note of the food and drink the child had that day and report the information to the parents.


• Are children taught to wash their hands after using the toilet?



• Are children who need help with toileting supervised?



Note: Toddlers need to be supervised by sight and sound. Toddlers can drown in toilet bowls. Older preschool and school age children do not need to be visually supervised while using the toilet.


• Are toilets cleaned daily and whenever dirty?



• Are there enough toilets/urinals for the number of children present?



Note: 1:10 for toddlers and preschoolers is recommended. 1:15 for school-age children is recommended.


• Does the caregiver serve high fiber foods to help develop regular bowel movements and soft stools?



• Does the caregiver encourage the children to drink lots of water in addition to the milk and juice served with meals?



• Have caregivers been trained to work with a child with special needs who needs additional help when toilet training?

How to help your caregiver with this topic

• Communicate daily on progress and setbacks. Work together to achieve regular toileting habits and a consistent daily schedule.



• Bring extra clothes for changes when accidents occur at the child care program.



• Dress your child in easy-to-pull up and pull down clothing.



• Inform your caregiver if there are other stresses at home such as a new baby or a serious illness. This may cause delays or setbacks in training.



• If concerns or problems arise, your child's health care provider or the program's child care health consultant should be consulted for solutions.



• If your caregiver was raised in another country, understand that his/her customs and attitudes toward toilet training may be stricter or s/he may expect that training should occur at an earlier age. Work with your caregiver so that toilet training is based on your child's readiness.



• Visit your local library and ask the librarian for suggestions of toilet training story books. Give your caregiver a list of the book titles that your child has enjoyed.

Additional Resources