In general, when should a child be potty trained?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) generally recommends waiting until a child shows signs of readiness, which typically occurs between 18 months and 2.5 years. Although, every child is different, hopefully by the time your child is in TK at age 4, they should be well on their way to toileting independence!
Potty Training resource--click here
Does my incoming child need to be potty trained to attend Transitional Kindergarten?
State legislation does not permit districts to deny enrollment to any student of any age if they are not fully potty trained; however, we STRONGLY encourage you to fully potty train your child before the start of the school year. This will make it much easier for you and your child.
What does it mean to be fully potty trained?
Fully potty-trained students may still have an occasional accident. Fully potty trained means that the child:
● comes to school in big kid underpants (no pull-ups/diapers)
● can verbally communicate a need to use the bathroom
● can independently take care of toileting (pull down underpants, sit on the toilet or stand at the toilet, and void the bowels or bladder)
● can independently manage related hygiene (can access toilet paper, wipe independently, place used toilet paper in the toilet bowl, flush, pull up underpants without assistance, and wash and dry hands). Teachers and/or Teacher Assistant are prohibited to wiping students.
What happens if my student has an accident at school?
The teacher or the teacher instructional assistant will verbally instruct the child on how to clean themselves and to get dressed in their extra outfit (that is supposed to be kept in their backpacks--see TK FAQs Tab on what your child needs to bring to school). If the child is unable to clean themselves and get dressed with the verbal instruction, parents will be called to come and assist or the school health clerk will assist.
~If your child is not fully potty trained by the start of school, please send me an email outlining their current stage in the potty training process and any specific needs they may have.