Toilet training for an individual occurs over a period of time that can range from a few weeks to several months and include several stages of development. Regressions are not unusual during the process, particularly if the child is affected by such things as illness, a move to a new home or child care center, or a new baby in the family. Accidents are to be expected and never met with disapproval. Daytime control may occur earlier than nighttime control. Girls tend to develop complete control of the elimination process earlier than boys. Children rarely have the physical control, understanding of the process, and the emotional maturity to successfully and consistently use the toilet prior to reaching 18 months of age, and on average, not until the child is 2½ to 3½ years old.
Because of the complexity of a child’s learning to successfully and consistently use the toilet and the intense emotional relationship between the parents and the child about the process, the Center will not initiate toilet learning. Staff will, however, keep parents informed of any signs of readiness observed at the Center. Parents should keep Center staff aware of child’s movement through the developmental stages at home (see below) and may request a formal conference at such time the switch from diapers to pants is to be attempted. This will help ensure that staff are supportive and consistent with parental efforts with the child.
The stages of toilet training are:
- Becoming aware of the process, i.e., developing a vocabulary for the process, seeing others use the toilet, talking about being wet or having had a bowel movement, imitating others by sitting on the toilet or potty chair, role playing with dolls about the process.
- Communication, i.e. says, “I’m wet,” “Change my diaper,” or “I need to use the potty.”
- Develops sphincter muscle control as evidenced by 2-3 hours of dryness.
- The child wants to use the toilet.
Center staff will be supportive of parental efforts to assist the child with toilet training and will never show disapproval when accidents occur. Success will be met with encouragement. After the switch from diapers is agreed upon between staff and parents, parents are responsible for always maintaining at least 3 pairs of underpants and changes of clothes in the child’s cubby. Clothing should be easily removable, such as elastic waist pants, to help eliminate frustration when the child attempts to use the toilet without help. Because accidents will occur and regression is possible, patience is necessary as the child learns to use the toilet.
PARENT HANDBOOK
