Created 6/10
Parents and staff are likely to have strong feelings about, and perhaps different strategies for toilet learning. One’s approach to toilet learning is largely shaped by childhood experiences and culture. Here are some things to consider relating to toilet learning.
Discuss the signs that indicate a child is ready. These signs include:
- Walk from room to room.
- Staying dry for long period of time.
- Wanting to sit on the toilet with their clothes on.
- Telling you they have urinated or had a bowel movement or are going to (though usually too late to get them to the bathroom).
- Being able to remove their clothing by themselves or with a little assistance/raise or lower own pants.
- Being able to push when having a bowel movement.
- Saying they want to use the toilet and talking about their “pee” and “poop” or whatever words they have been taught at home.
- Sits independently.
- Follows one-step commands.
Ask the parents how they are helping their child learn to use the toilet at home. Listen
carefully and try to understand families’ perspectives when they do things differently
than you
do.
Share with parents the steps you take to help a child learn to use the toilet and
help families
be realistic in their expectation of how toilet learning will go.
Early Head Start Facility Toileting Areas:
When toilet training, children are accompanied to the toilet by an adult. Toilet should
be adapted
for independent use by children. If needed, a clean, non-slip plastic step and a toilet
seat adapter
with a washable surface should be available. Toilets, bathroom sinks and other bathroom
surfaces are cleaned and disinfected daily. Bathroom floors are swept and mopped daily.
Staff
assists children with hand washing after each toileting and wash their own hands after
assisting
each child. Hand washing sign is posted by the hand washing sink.