Potty Training At Child Care and Preschool


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by Danna Henderson

With 61% of children between the ages of birth and six years in daycare, it's important that parents work closely with their child's care professional while potty training. When your child is ready for potty training, the right potty training guidance and supplies can make all the difference.

Be sure your child is ready. Before you begin potty training, make sure your child is ready. Your child should show the following signs of potty training readiness:

  • Expresses an interest in the potty
  • Tries to imitate family members
  • Stays dry for two hours
  • Express the need to go potty or indicates that he or she just has
  • Able to pull pants up and down
  • Irritated when diapers are wet
  • Expresses interest in cotton underwear
  • Has predictable bowel movements on a regular basis
  • Diaper stays dry overnight

Introduce potty training. If your child is in daycare, he or she will probably notice that there are other children around who wear cotton underwear and use the potty. This kind of light peer pressure can motivate your child to want to use the potty as well. Start introducing the idea by watching a potty training book or video together. Be sure and tell your child's daycare provider that you are beginning the potty training process. Your child's daycare provider can help by watching for signs of potty training readiness and answering questions from your child.

Set potty training rules. When you begin potty training your child, discuss your plan with your child's daycare worker. This person has probably potty trained many children and may have useful tips and tricks that he or she has found useful. Make sure your potty training methods are similar.

Progress Reports. Speak with the child care provider often to exchange progress reports. Both of you need to be aware of any successes or potential problems. If the daycare worker tells you that your child used the potty earlier that day, be sure and tell your child that that you heard about his or her success and that you are proud of him or her.