Toileting & Self-Dressing

We are thrilled to support your child as they work toward the milestone of toilet independence, a significant step in their journey toward self-reliance. Every child develops at their own pace, and our approach to toilet learning focuses on following the child—honoring their readiness and natural progression.

To ensure a smooth and successful transition, we’ve outlined clear expectations, explained how we support toilet learning at school and shared practical tips for how you can help at home. We’ve also included benchmarks from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Montessori philosophy to guide the process.

In the Montessori environment, we recognize that each child is unique, and our role is to guide and encourage them in this process. Here’s how we support toilet training in the classroom:

1. Consistent Bathroom Breaks :For children learning to use the toilet, we offer regular opportunities to use the bathroom (every 20-30 minutes) to help them build awareness and confidence. We gently remind and encourage children to try but never force them to sit on the toilet.
2. Child-Sized Toilets: Our classrooms are equipped with child-sized toilets to foster independence. Children feel safe and empowered to manage toileting tasks on their own.
3. Encouragement and Positivity: We celebrate successes, big or small, and provide calm, respectful assistance when accidents happen. This creates a supportive, pressure-free environment where children feel safe to learn.
4. Modeling and Observation: Toddlers often learn by observing peers. In a group setting, seeing others use the toilet can encourage your child to take an interest in the process.
5. Collaboration with Parents: Communication is key! We will keep you informed of your child’s progress and partner with you to maintain consistency between home and school.

According to the AAP, a child is ready for toilet training when they:

• Stay Dry for Longer Periods: Can stay dry for at least 2 hours or wake up dry after naps.
• Recognize the Need to Go: Shows awareness of the need to use the toilet (e.g., pausing play, crossing legs, or verbalizing).
• Understand Simple Instructions: Follows basic directions, such as “Let’s go to the bathroom.”
• Show Interest: Expresses interest in using the toilet and wearing underwear.
• Physical Readiness: Can sit on and get off the toilet comfortably.

In the Montessori approach, toilet learning is guided by fostering independence and observing the child’s readiness. Key benchmarks include:

• Self-Awareness: The child recognizes bodily sensations and understands the concept of “going potty.”
• Cooperation: The child willingly participates in routines, such as pulling pants up and down or washing hands.
• Consistency: The child has success using the toilet at regular intervals and can stay dry throughout the day.
• Autonomy: The child demonstrates independence in small tasks, such as dressing and undressing, which support the toileting process.

1. Accident-Free Days at Home Are Required Before transitioning your child to underwear at school, they must demonstrate consistent, accident-free days at home.
   
   Example: Your child has gone at least 2-3 consecutive days at home wearing underwear without accidents.
   
   Why: The school environment is more stimulating and has more distractions, making it harder for children who are not fully ready. Consistent success at home shows they have developed the awareness and ability to use the toilet reliably.
   
   
2. Toilet Training Must Be Planned and Discussed Toilet training is a partnership between parents and teachers. It’s not a decision that can be made overnight. Please contact your child’s teacher before sending your child in underwear so we can develop a clear plan together.
   
   Why: Uncoordinated efforts can be confusing for your child and disruptive to the classroom. A planned approach ensures we can support your child effectively.
   
   
3. Toilet Training Is More Than Wearing Underwear Switching from diapers to underwear is the final step in toilet training, not the first. Your child must already have consistent success using the toilet and managing bathroom routines before coming to school in underwear.
   
   
4. Prepare for Accidents Even trained children may have occasional accidents, especially during busy or exciting moments. Please send 3 complete changes of clothes daily, including underwear, pants, shirts, socks, and shoes. All items must be clearly labeled with your child’s name. (see labeling suggestion below)

1. Create a Routine Take your child to the bathroom regularly, such as after waking, before meals, and before naps. Offer gentle reminders, but don’t pressure them.
   
   
2. Dress for Independence Use clothing your child can manage easily, such as pants with elastic waistbands. Avoid tricky buttons, snaps, or overalls. (see step by step directions below)
   
   
3. Encourage Participation Let your child help with toileting routines, like flushing the toilet, washing hands, or putting on clean clothes after an accident. (see step by step directions below)
   
   
4. Stay Positive and Patient Praise their efforts, even when progress seems slow. Avoid punishments or negative reactions to accidents—they are a normal part of learning.
   
   
5. Read Books About Toileting. Share age-appropriate books about toilet learning to help normalize the process and spark interest.

In both the Montessori philosophy and the guidance of the AAP, toilet learning is a child-led process. Each child is unique, and readiness can vary greatly. Rest assured, no one goes off to college still in diapers! The key is patience, consistency, and honoring your child’s individual timeline.

We are here to guide and support you every step of the way. If you have any questions, need additional resources, or would like to discuss your child’s readiness, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your partnership as we help your child achieve this exciting milestone with confidence and independence!

Demonstrate and allow children to dress and undress independently.

Provide Clear Step by Step Directions - Children need to see it broken down and demonstrated in step by step directions.

Getting dressed is a big deal! Here are a few suggestions:

• Make sure clothes are easily accessible. Use low shelves and low hangers. Baskets and low drawers can be useful.
• Allow access to a reasonable amount of clothing, not too many. It's unreasonable to expect a child to maintain order when there are excess clothes.
• Leave the child plenty of time to get dressed, don't rush. The child will lose confidence if rushed or if you take over the dressing while they are in progress.
• Encourage independence. You might need to leave the room so they will do as much as possible without relying on you for help. If they ask for help, do as little as possible, for example, show them the armhole, don't give up and start dressing them yourself.
• Give child-friendly options and set the child up for success. Buttons and zippers are often too difficult; elastic waists are excellent.
• If the child dresses unreasonably suggest a jumper/warmer clothing, take them outside and if necessary pack a jumper/warmer clothing if going out. Teach responsibility.

Encouraging the child to dress themselves is worth every bit of our effort. It may take longer initially but the more they do it, the quicker they will become. Self-dressing encourages the child to take care of their clothing, develop coordination, concentration, and independence. It increases body awareness and sense of self.

If they redress themselves with shoes on the wrong feet or pants on backward that is okay!

Make Life Easier: Stylish Labeling Solutions for Your Child's Belongings!

We know labeling your child’s belongings might feel like just another task on your to-do list, but we’re here to make it super simple and fun! If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to label items, check out the awesome labels from namebubbles.com. They’re durable, easy to use, and perfect for helping identify your child's personal items.

Just recently, Mrs. McMahan shared a label sheet from Name Bubbles for Luke, and we’re more than happy to add a label if we spot any unlabeled items. We totally get that no one wants their child's name written in messy handwriting or with a Sharpie! That’s why we’re really excited about this neat and organized solution!

With Name Bubbles labels, you can add a professional touch and make sure everything is marked. It’s kind of like adding Frank's Hot Sauce—you’ll want to put those labels on everything!

Why not consider ordering a sheet of labels to send to your child's teacher? This way, everyone can easily access labels throughout the school year, and any extras can simply be returned at the end. It’s a practical way to keep track of personal items while also encouraging responsibility in the classroom.

To order your labels, just follow this link: https://www.namebubbles.com/?rfsn=8463699.e1462e.

Thank you for helping us keep your kids' belongings organized in such a stylish and tidy way! ❤️

We just wanted to remind you about our services for your child. We are happy to offer diapering/toileting assistance in The Acorn Room and The Oak Rooms to ensure the best care for your child.

For children in The Acorn Room, there is a diapering fee of $100.00 per month, which is added as a service charge in addition to the monthly tuition. This fee will be incurred until the child has been accident-free for a minimum of four days per week. Our dedicated staff is committed to helping your child through the toilet-training process.

For children in The Oak Rooms who are not yet reliably potty-trained, the diapering fee may also be included as a service charge in the monthly tuition.

Please remember to pack a change of clothes, wipes, and diapers for your child.

Email: LongHillMontessoriSchool@gmail.com
Website: www.LongHillMontessoriSchool.com
Location: 158 Central Avenue, Stirling, NJ, United States
Phone: (908) 647-1852