Public Preschool Toileting Policy
An SAU may not refuse entrance into a public preschool program (four year old program) to a child who is not toilet trained.
- No child shall be punished for soiling, wetting, or not using the toilet.
- Each SAU must adopt sanitation and hygiene procedures for assisting with toileting and/or diapering that adequately protect the health and safety of children and staff. The following conditions shall be included in said policy:
- Staff, volunteers and children shall wash hands with soap and running water after assisting with toileting and/or diapering.
- Children in soiled or wet clothing and/or diapers shall be changed on a washable vinyl table or mat that is cleaned and sanitized after each use or has a disposable single use cover.
- Any materials used for cleaning/changing (including any diapers and diapering materials) shall be discarded in a covered, lined; foot-pedal operated step can separate from other trash or garbage. Discarded materials shall be disposed of on a daily basis.
- Toileting and diapering areas shall be separated from areas used for cooking, eating, or children’s activities.
- Potty/toileting chairs should not be used. The only exception will be for an individually assigned potty that is used and stored only in the toilet room; and after each use by the individual child to whom it is assigned, a designated individual shall empty the potty into the toilet, and clean and disinfect the potty. A utility sink shall be designated for cleaning and sanitizing potties and be used for no other purpose.
The SAU should work in the following ways to address toileting issues:
- Communicate with the family to establish whether there are medical needs involved.
- If there are medical needs, work with the family using a medical plan of care to support the child
- Develop a plan for toilet training
- A school nurse, home-school liaison, teacher or representative(s) from an outside agency that may be involved with the child can work directly with the parent to develop a plan for toilet training at home and school.
- If it is possible to have a home and school plan, develop an in-school plan for toilet training.
- If the child attends another out of home care setting, in addition to public preschool, be sure to include all teachers/family providers in the conversation and plan.
- Build communication between parties into the plan, as well as contingency planning to review or revise a plan that is not effective
- Require the parent/legal guardian to supply clean clothes, pull-ups, diapers.
