Transitional Kindergarten - Potty Training
Please see the information below regarding potty training and the resources available to students and their families.
Does my incoming child need to be potty trained to attend TK?
State legislation does not permit districts to deny enrollment to incoming TK students if they are not fully potty trained.
However, we strongly encourage you to potty train your child before the start of the school year.
What does it mean to be fully potty trained?
A fully potty-trained student may occasionally have an accident, but this generally means the child:
- Comes to school in "big kid" underpants (not pull-ups).
- Can communicate the need to use the bathroom.
- Can independently manage toileting (pull down underpants, sit on the toilet or stand at the urinal, and void the bowels or bladder).
- Can independently manage related hygiene (can access toilet paper, wipe, place used toilet paper in the toilet bowl, flush, pull up underpants without assistance, and wash and dry hands).
Will TK classrooms have a bathroom?
All TK classrooms have a bathroom. Teachers will encourage students to use the bathroom during breaks and will utilize additional staff to support bathroom needs throughout the program.
In addition, bathrooms are located across the West Campus.
What happens if my student has an accident at school?
If a student has an accident, they will be sent to the office, and a parent will be notified to help bring new clothing and help them change.
If they have had a bowel movement, they will wait for their parents to pick them up.
How can I learn more about the toilet training process?
We have linked helpful articles below. For more specific information or guidance, consult your child’s pediatrician.
Resources:
Is My Child Ready for Potty Training?
Helping Children with Toilet Learning in Child Care – eXtension Alliance for Better Child Care
Healthy Children Potty Training
Toilet Teaching Without Tears PDF -- English
Toilet Teaching Without Tears PDF -- Spanish
Toilet Teaching Without Tears Podcast
Free Potty Training Visual Schedules
Potty Training: How to get the job done-Mayo Clinic
Videos: