Diapering & Toilet Training

Diapering

We check and change children’s diapers every two hours throughout the day and whenever they are wet or soiled. During each diaper change, children are washed and dried with their own wipes. After each diaper change, teachers wash their hands with liquid soap and running water, using friction, and dry their hands with paper towels, and the child’s hands are washed with liquid soap and running water and dried with paper towels. Soiled diapers are placed in a closed container that is lined with a leak-proof disposable lining.

The diapers are removed from the school at regular intervals throughout the day. Any wet or soiled clothing is placed in a sealed plastic bag, labeled with the child’s name, and returned to you at the end of the day. Please take all wet or soiled clothing home with you promptly at the end of each day.

Only disposable diapers are used at the school. You are responsible for maintaining a supply of diapers, wipes, and any creams or lotions at the school adequate for your child’s needs.

Philosophy & Mission

We are so excited you have decided to have your family join ours!!  Here at Bright Beginnings our teachers are passionately dedicated to ensuring your child is cared for in a nurturing and educational environment. 

Toilet Training

When you feel your child is ready for toilet learning I ask that you begin this teaching time at home during a weekend or vacation.  PLEASE NOTE: We will only begin to assist your child in potty training if you have successfully began training at home for one-week prior.  We will follow through and encourage your child while in care.  Toilet training will be done in a relaxed manner with the cooperation of the family.

We require the child is at least two years old and must also be showing signs of readiness (see Toilet Learning readiness checklist below).  Positive reinforcement and consistency must be continued at home.  Please keep in mind that the activity level here can distract your child from responding to an urge to use the potty, more so than at your home.  Therefore, we will continue to use diapers until your child can and will announce that he/she must use the bathroom and can control his/her bladder and bowels for a few minutes beyond that moment.  It is required that parents supply diapers/underwear and multiple extra changes of clothing. 

Toilet Training Readiness

Basic verbal skills- the child can speak in three to four-word sentences

  • Stage 1- The child tells you he/she has a wet diaper/recognizes that he/she is wet
  • Stage 2- The child tells you he/she is wetting/recognizes the sensation of being wet
  • Stage 3- The child tells you he/she needs to go to the bathroom, can control him/himself and use the toilet.

 

Physical and Psychological Signs of Readiness

  • Stays dry for long periods of time (the child can “hold” his/her urine and bowel movements)
  • Can recognize his/her diaper is wet or soiled
  • Has bowel movements at regular times (child chooses when to move his/her bowels)
  • Adult can recognize when child is moving his bowels (child is deliberately moving bowels)
  • Can undress and pull up his/her own pants (important because this is the work of the child, not the caregiver)
  • Initiates interest in using the toilet and asks to wear underwear
  • Wants to be independent (which is especially important to the learning process)
  • Child is emotionally ready and is open to learning (is child generally cooperative?)
  • Child has awareness and knowledge of the world beyond him/herself (this sign may seem unrelated to toilet learning, but it is a behavior that has been in children who are ready to use the toilet)
  • Can follow three to four step directions (critical for learning to urinate or move bowels, wipe him/herself, flush the toilet, and then wash hands)
  • Can use consistent words or gestures to communicate
  • Can physically get to the toilet and sit on it without help
  • Must show a willingness to want to sit on the toilet and understand its functions

 

Proper Clothing:

            DO NOT bring your child in underwear without first talking with your child’s teacher for approval.  Children must have naptime and bedtime control established.  During potty training, the child needs to be dressed in “user friendly” clothing as much as possible.  The best items are shorts and/or pants with elastic waists.  Please do not dress your child in the following items:

  • No tight clothing
  • No shirts that snap in the crotch
  • No overalls or bib type clothing
  • No belts
  • No one piece outfits

The clothing listed above can make it difficult for your child to reach the potty in time.  Your child also needs to be able to pull his/her own pants up and down and these items will hinder your child’s ability to do so.  If your child arrives wearing any of the above items, we will not work on potty training that day. 

Required Supplies:

            The following items are to be left at the school and replaced as needed.  State licensing requires that soiled clothing be returned in a plastic bag at the end of the day.

            -Two changes of clothing including socks and an extra pair of shoes

Toilet Learning Schedule:

            For the first week, the child will be scheduled to use the toilet at consistent times of the day whether the child indicates the need to use the toilet or not

  • Upon arrival
  • After meals
  • Before and after rest
  • Before and after going outside
  • Just before going home

*NO ADJUSTMENTS FOR PRESCHOOL TUITION WILL BE MADE UNTIL THEY ARE POTTY TRAINED WITH NO ACCIDENTS FOR THREE FULL WEEKS AT SCHOOL