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Toilet Training

Dear MDUSD Families,

 

At MDUSD, we are committed to making sure every child feels welcome and included at school, no matter where they are in their toileting journey. We know that every child develops at their own pace, and we want to support you and your child every step of the way.

 

No child will ever be excluded from enrolling or attending school because of their toileting needs. Our goal is to remove any barriers that might keep your child from fully participating in school life.

 

We encourage families to help their children work towards toileting independence before starting school. However, we understand that some children need more time, and that’s perfectly okay. If your child needs extra support, we can work together to create a Toileting Management Plan and Short Term Transition Plan that fits their unique needs.

 

What does “toileting independence” mean?
A child is considered fully independent with toileting if they can:

  • Wear regular underwear (not pull-ups) to school
  • Tell an adult when they need to use the bathroom
  • Take care of their own toileting needs (pull down/up underpants, use the toilet or urinal, and go to the bathroom)
  • Manage hygiene on their own (use toilet paper, wipe, flush, pull up underpants, and wash/dry hands)

We understand that younger children may still have occasional accidents, and that’s okay. If your child is still working on these skills, we are here to help. 

 

Short Term Transition Plan

We offer short-term transition support and will work closely with you to create a plan that meets your child’s needs. Sometimes, this might mean using the excused absence days to continue toilet training at home, with our support and coordination for a smooth return to the classroom. A short-term transition plan allots 10 excused absence days (which can be used as needed) to give you time to focus on toilet learning at home if necessary. If your child is not yet fully independent with toileting, they will still be welcomed and supported in our school community.

What is a Toileting Management Plan?

If your child needs extra support with toileting at school, the school site team will work with you to create a Toileting Management Plan just for your child. This plan is designed to make sure your child feels comfortable and supported, and it includes:

  1. Medical Documentation (if needed):
    • If your child has a medical condition that affects toileting, your healthcare provider will need to give the school a diagnosis and a written recommendation for support.
    • If your child needs ointments or medications at school, you and your provider will need to fill out a special medication form for the school.
  2. Supplies from Home:
    • You may be asked to provide items like pull-ups or diapers, wipes, large resealable plastic bags for soiled clothing, and two extra changes of clothes.
  3. School-Based Toileting Support:
    • The plan will include a regular toileting schedule for your child during the school day.
    • Support strategies might include:
      • Visual reminders (like pictures or signs)
      • Verbal reminders from staff
      • Minimal physical help to encourage independence
      • Supervised help with changing clothes if needed (for example, verbal instructions from outside the stall, or support from two adults if direct help is needed)
  4. Family Responsibilities:
    • Keep up with toileting routines and hygiene at home.
    • Provide the necessary supplies to school.
    • Be an active part of creating and updating the plan.
    • Respond to school communication and toileting needs consistently.
    • Be available to support at school in case of an accident.
  5. Working Together:
    • The school may give you visual aids used at school so you can use them at home too.
    • There will be regular two-way communication to share updates and strategies.
    • The school and family will celebrate your child’s progress together.
    • If the plan needs to be changed, you will always be included in the process.

What Happens if My Child Needs Help with Toileting?

If your child has ongoing trouble with bladder or bowel control, we may ask for information from your child’s doctor. This helps us understand if there is a medical condition, developmental disability, or other reason for your child’s needs. Examples include:

 

  • A medical problem that makes it hard to control their bladder or bowels
  • A history of trauma that affects toileting
  • A developmental disability

 

If your child does not already have a plan at school (like an IEP or Section 504 Plan) to address toileting, we will meet with you to talk about what supports your child may need. This meeting might include our on site CARE Team. If your child is found to have a disability or medical need that affects toileting, we will work with you to create a plan. 

If your child already has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), any needed toileting supports will be included in that plan. If your child does not qualify for an IEP but has medical needs, we may create a Health Plan to make sure they get the right help.

 

Collaboration

We will keep in touch with you regularly to share how your child is doing and update the plan as needed. These supports are also available in before and after school programs. If you have any concerns about your child’s toileting independence or think they may need extra support, please reach out to your school. We are here to partner with you and ensure your child’s needs are met every step of the way. Your involvement and consistency between home and school are very important for your child’s success. Your insights and experiences help us create the best possible support for your child’s toileting independence.

 

Our priority is your child’s well-being and success. If you have any questions or need assistance with your child’s toileting needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to partner with you and ensure your child has a positive school experience.

 

In partnership,
Mt. Diablo Unified School District Administration

For additional information or support, please contact your school administrator or the Student Services Department.

 

Toilet Training