If you child is in preschool ....

Do they teachers assist children with using the bathroom?

I ask because one of the preschools I am considering for DS in September has a strict policy that children must be self-sufficient. Their bathrooms are "child-sized" but this is still a little daunting because I have not begun to potty train DS.

He will be 3.5 years old by the time he starts school, FYI.

Re: If you child is in preschool ....

The children go to the bathroom by themselves, however if they have trouble buttoning something they will help.

Re: If you child is in preschool ....

We chose my son's preschool based on the fact that he did not have to be potty trained. I think they would help a child who needed it though.

I *think* preschools need to be certified to change diapers, and if they are not, that is why they are so strict about having kids be fully potty trained before entering school. If they do change diapers and they are not certified, they could be found in violation of code. (Or I could be totally wrong...)

Re: If you child is in preschool ....

They will only help with buttons or zippers. Otherwise they have to do it themselves (3 yr program). They recommend putting your child in clothes that are easily removable (ie leggings or sweats) to make it easier for the child.

Re: If you child is in preschool ....

I think it depends on the preschool and their certifications.
When I was researching schools two years ago, many were so strict about the assist-free toileting they even said I should be available to come change his clothes if DS had an accident or needed help with the potty. It worried me that if I wasn't quickly available to get there, would they make him sit in his dirty clothes until I arrived -- made me sad to think about their style of nursery school.
I went with a school that said they prefer him to be toilet-trained but if he should need help buttoning or zipping they'd help him and they'd of course change his clothes if he had an accident.

Re: If you child is in preschool ....

AJ has regular sized bathroom in her room. She is NOT assisted since she went to Pre-K (3yr) she was expected to be potty trained before allowed into that class. They do not wipe her or help her up with her clothes.

She's pretty good at it actually.

I think at 3 they did sorta stand at the door and help with words of direction or encouragement. They will help her pull up her pants if she can't do it but they push that they do it all themselves. At 4 its definitely more "do it yourself" than at 3.

Re: If you child is in preschool ....

No they don't help. I thought it pretty gross, my 3 yo came home with "evidence" of going number 2. I was very annoyed bc he probably touched poop, and who knows how well hands are washed if not being watched.

Re: If you child is in preschool ....

We were told that they are not allowed to help with wiping. They can do diapers but once the child is potty trained, they're on their own in terms of private bathroom time, except for dressing, etc. I think it's state regulated or for insurance reasons or something, to avoid claims of inappropriate behavior maybe?

Re: If you child is in preschool ....

Schools that are not daycare licensed cannot assist the children in anyway. I said no to any schools like this, since I was not sure what my DC would have been capable of her first year.