starting preschool - must be pottytrained?

kgail11

I came across this article that says how it's a good rule of thumb that kids be potty-trained before they start preschool...   why? I planned to start DS next summer, when he is 2 yrs and 3 mts old, and I have noooo idea if he'll be potty-trained by then. Who knows. What do you think is the reasoning behind this? I would think preschool would help them along, just by seeing other kids who ARE potty-trained. Thoughts?

 

https://busymommy.us/education/resources/22-making-sense-of-your-preschool-options

kelbrian

The preschool that the kids that I take care of attend requires kids to be potty trained. They aren't allowed to attend if they are not potty trained. 

Mrs Manners

I think "preschool" is technically defined by age 3+. Most places around here consider anything younger to be "mom's morning out" even though it's run in the same manner as the preschool. Sean starts "preschool/mmo" in three weeks and is no where near potty trained.

Tess12

It depends on the school--some don't want the staff to have to deal with diaper changing.  The school M will be going to allows diapers for the youngest class (2 and a half), but after they go up to the next class, they need to be potty trained.

almost momma of two

DS started at 2 1/2 and wasn't potty trained until he was 3. There were a few pre-schools around here that they had to be pt.

akayf

My mom taught preschool.   Her school had a 3s and 4s program.   You were supposed to be potty trained but in Sept, the 3s usually had a couple kids still in pull ups.  

 

kgail11

yeah, the 10 or so (seriously!) preschools I have called have a rule that their 3 yr olds must be pt'd. Understandable. But this one particular one we've decided on doesn't have a limit AT ALL.. saying that 'all kids are different' and they hate to put such restrictive limitations on them. I could've kissed them.

SpartanGirl

The preschool DD will attend does not require potty training (there are a few others in town that don't require it either).  They said that even a child who has been PT forever may have accidents at school b/c they get so involved in playing that they forget to use the potty.  We are required to send a change of clothes and it's not big deal.  They will also work with your child if you tell them you are working on PT.

That said, DD will is pretty much PT now though she does have occasional accidents still.

kaylakim

As a preschool teacher I can tell you my personal reasoning for requiring children to be potty trained before attending. I have anywhere from 8-10 children per class and we don't have a bathroom in the classroom (it's in the hallway outside the classroom). I'm not able to leave the 9 other children unattended so I can help the 1 child in the bathroom. My preschool is set up mostly for children who are set to begin kindergarten the following year so it's really for 4-5 year olds but I do accept 3 year olds if they are completely PT.

 Hope that helps!