Signs of Readiness to Start Potty Learning Checklist

Physical Readiness

Child can stay dry for longer periods, or overnight

Child knows the feelings that signal he/she needs to use the bathroom

• Child can pull down their pants, and pull them up

• Child can get him or herself to the toilet with a stool

• Mental and Language Readiness

• Child can follow simple directions

• Child can point to wet or soiled clothes and ask to be changed

• Child pays attention to the physical signals even when she is doing something else (a challenge for many children, which is why accidents are so common)

• Child knows the words for using the toilet and can tell an adult when he/she needs to go

• Child has asked to wear big kid underwear

Emotional Readiness

• Child seeks privacy  and hides when going in a diaper

• Child shows interest in using the toilet-may want to put paper in and flush it

• Child shows curiosity at other people’s toilet habits

• Child has decided he/she wants to use the toilet

• Child is not afraid of the toilet

When a parent is willing to consistently help and guide the child to learn to go potty I am eager to help at daycare. I ask parents to spend a weekend introducing it to their children.  It is hard on the child if we have different rules at different houses. So communication is very important so that we all have success! There should be no pressure put on children to be toilet trained. It is a natural process and should be done at a pace the child is comfortable with, allowing children to become aware of their bodily functions.  I believe praise and encouragement will help the process go faster.  There should NEVER be ashamed or punishment for accidents 

We recommend that all clothing be a two-piece set during this learning process. The bottoms should be elastic waist allowing the child to independently pull up their own pants.   This also allows the child to pull down clothes quickly if they need to use the toilet quickly.  Pull-ups are great for beginners, to get excited over going potty.  When you are serious loose cotton training underwear with barriers can be more helpful so the child can feel the wet sensation.   Please bring several outfits including socks in case of accidents.  

Our Learning Process:

When a child shows interest we start offering to sit on the big toilet just to get excited.   I have boys and girls undress waist down and sit with legs spread to allow better balance.  We have a little stool in front of the toilet which allows for feet to rest comfortably. By having feet firmly planted, your child will feel more secure, have an easier time "pushing" and going to the bathroom, and be less afraid that they will fall into the potty. In the beginning, we praise for just sitting which is a big deal. 

It is important to teach girls to always wipe from front to back to avoid introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. You can use a doll to show her the proper technique.  We teach counting three squares of toilet tissue for a child to use. Little boys are asked to sit down while peeing until they can aim and not make messes on the seat, floor, and wall. An adult will make sure the child is clean before redressing. We allow the child to flush the toilet when they have success. Always teach a child to wash hands using soap and water. At Cindy’s Kids, we encourage pride of each new skill.  That feeling your child gets when they learn something new is the best motivation to continue success.  Be sure to boost “You did it!”  Always use positive and encouraging words to describe anything associated with this new experience.  Again be consistent with each person helping your child to learn this process.

MONITORING THE BATHROOM

NO TOYS, FOOD, OR BOOKS IN THE BATHROOM.

While inside:  Staff will monitor bathroom use and make sure the children wash their hands and do not play in the bathroom.  We teach them to wipe correctly but they still need help.   Teach them to limit paper towels and to dispose on them in the trash can, not the toilet.  Baby wipes are available in the bathroom for adults if a bigger clean up needed, these do not go down the toilet. 

MONITORING THE BATHROOM  When outside:  Children must be escorted to the bathroom by staff when on the playground staff will stand in the doorway and monitor them until they are finished. The bathroom window is open to hear the child. Children cannot be sent into the bathroom alone or left in the building alone. 

Only one in the bathroom at a time. Nobody watching while waiting.  

Staff should NEVER be alone with a child behind a closed door!

Cindy’s Kids will not use potty chairs.