Toilet Training

Readiness, routines, and how we partner with families

Effective: September 2026 | Reviewed Annually

Toilet training is an important developmental milestone, and every child progresses at their own pace. At Country Lane Early Learning, we are happy to partner with families during the toilet training process in a positive, encouraging, patient, and supportive way.

Signs of Toilet Training Readiness

Most children begin showing readiness for toilet training between 2 and 3 years old. Children are often more successful when the process begins after signs of readiness are consistently observed.

Your child communicates when their diaper is wet or soiled.
Your child can use or understand simple words such as "potty," "wet," "dry," or "go."
Your child shows interest in the toilet, potty seat, or bathroom routines.
Your child stays dry for longer periods throughout the day.
Your child shows awareness of bowel movements or urination through facial expressions, body language, or seeking privacy.
Your child is beginning to independently pull clothing up and down.
Your child is cooperative and interested in learning new self-help skills.

When to Begin Toilet Training

Families are encouraged to begin introducing toilet training at home before childcare begins the process.
Consistency between home and childcare is essential for successful toilet training.
Major life changes such as moving, family stress, schedule changes, a new sibling, or transitioning to a new childcare environment may temporarily delay readiness.
Waiting until life feels more stable often helps reduce frustration and creates a more positive experience for the child.

Working Together

Successful toilet training requires teamwork between families and caregivers.
Parents are expected to continue toilet training routines consistently at home.
If a specific method or routine is working well at home, please communicate it so we can provide consistency during childcare hours.
Our approach focuses on patience, encouragement, praise, and positive reinforcement.
Children are never punished, shamed, pressured, or compared to other children during the toilet training process.

Clothing & Supplies

Simple, comfortable clothing helps children build independence and confidence during toilet training.

Please dress your child in clothing that is easy to remove quickly and independently.
Avoid belts, suspenders, onesies, complicated snaps, and difficult fasteners whenever possible.
Children who are actively toilet training should have at least 4–5 complete changes of clothing available at childcare each day.
Extra clothing should include underwear or training underwear, socks, pants, and shirts.
For health and sanitation reasons, soiled clothing will be placed in a sealed plastic bag and sent home.
Please replace any used clothing items with clean extras the following day.

Training Pants & Pull-Ups

Thick training underwear is encouraged whenever possible to help children recognize bodily cues and sensations.
Pull-ups may delay the toilet training process for some children because they can feel similar to diapers.
Consistency is important. Frequently switching between diapers, pull-ups, and underwear may create confusion and slow progress.
Families and caregivers should work together to determine what approach best supports the child's success and confidence.

Questions & Program Contact

Questions about toilet training readiness or routines may be directed to: Sara Kingston, Program Coordinator/Director, sara@countrylaneearlylearning.com, (801) 792-9837.

Our goal is to support children through this important milestone with patience, consistency, encouragement, and positive communication. Every child develops at their own pace, and we are committed to working together with families to make the process as successful, respectful, and stress-free as possible.