Potty Training at FCSD
Potty Training at FCSD
FCSD offers great resources to assist our families in helping their little ones to learn one of the most essential skills – using the potty!
Check out the resources below or contact the Office of Early Childhood to see about getting these materials in printed format!
DOWNLOADS
BOOKLET: FCSD Potty PassportBOOKLET: FCSD Potty StorybookFCSD Potty ChartFCSD Potty Poster
Do you have questions? What physical copies of any of the above materials?
TOILET TRAINING TIPS FOR FAMILIES
Toilet training is a significant developmental milestone in your child’s life. At Fulton City School District, we recognize that every child is unique and develops these skills at their own pace. Our goal is to partner with you to make this process a positive, supportive, and successful experience for your child.
Is your child ready?
Before starting, it is helpful to see if your child is showing signs of readiness. Most children are ready to begin when they can check off several of these skills:
| Readiness Sign | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Physical Signs | Remains dry for at least 2 hours during the day or after nap time |
| Simple Directions | Can follow basic requests like “Let’s go to the bathroom” |
| Body Awareness | Seems uncomfortable with soiled diapers or knows when they are having a bowel movement |
| Interest | Asks to use the toilet, wants to wear “grown-up” underwear, or watches others use the bathroom |
| Independence | Can walk to the bathroom and pull their own pants down and up |
Tips for success at home
A calm, easygoing approach works best. Here are some strategies to help your child master this new skill:
- Be Patient and Positive: Celebrate every small success, such as sitting on the toilet or washing hands, even if they didn't go.
- Establish a Routine: Encourage your child to try using the potty at consistent times, such as when they first wake up, before/after meals, and before leaving the house.
- Dress for Success: Use clothing that is easy for your child to manage independently, such as pants with elastic waistbands. Avoid belts, buttons, or snaps that might be difficult to open in a hurry.
- Use Consistent Language: Decide on specific words for body parts, urine, and bowel movements and share them with your school team so we can use the same terms.
- Avoid Pressure: Never force a child to sit on the toilet against their will or for long periods of time, as this can create negative feelings toward the process.
Partnering with your school
Partnering with Your School We are here to support your child's journey. Consistency between home and school is key to helping them develop independence.
The home-school connection
- Share Your Routine: Let us know what strategies work well at home so we can try to mirror them in the classroom.
- Open Communication: We will keep you updated on your child’s progress at school and any patterns we notice.
- No Shame for Accidents: In school, we handle accidents calmly and privately. We never punish, shame, or exclude a child because of a toileting accident.
Supplies to send to school
Supplies to Send to School Please ensure your child has the following items available in their classroom to stay clean and comfortable:
- At least one full set of extra clothing (shirt, pants, underwear, and socks).
- Extra diapers or pull-ups if your child is still using them.
- A supply of wipes.
- Plastic bags for sending soiled clothing home.
Why accidents happen
Occasional accidents are a normal part of learning. Set-backs can happen when a child is tired, ill, or adjusting to a new environment. If an accident occurs, be reassuring and remind them that they will be successful next time.
If you have concerns about your child's progress or notice a pattern of accidents, please reach out to your child's teacher or the school nurse. We are happy to collaborate on an individual plan to better support your child.