Montessori Seeds of Education requires that children entering the Summer or School Year Primary Program (3-6) are potty trained. This is a common expectation/requirement among authentic Montessori Schools.
A potty-trained child ...
· Will tell the teacher that he/she needs to go to the bathroom before needing to go
· Is able to go to the bathroom (either urinating or a bowel movement) on his/her own. That includes being able to remove clothing, sit on the toilet, wipe himself/herself using an appropriate amount of toilet paper, put clothing back on, flush the toilet, and wash and dry hands.
· Is fully aware of using the toilet without reminders from the teachers (although, teachers do make requests of children at various times of the day- before or after meals and before going to the playground).
· Does not wear pull-ups or diapers. He/she must be in regular underwear.
· Is able to postpone going if waiting for someone else who is in the bathroom or if we are outside.
Why do children need to be potty trained before entering the Primary Program?
The Primary Program does not have the staffing to potty train our students. The ratios required for primary students are higher than a toddler classroom and do not allow for potty training or diapering. If a teacher is spending their time with potty training, then he/she is unable to work with children in routine daily activities. This is not fair to any of the children.
We understand that accidents happen. This is why each child should have an extra pair of clothes here at school. However, if your child has accidents frequently, we do not consider them potty-trained. If after the first few days or weeks of school the situation is not manageable within the classroom environment, we will discuss the issue with the parents. If there is no available room with the Toddler Community, Montessori Seeds of Education reserves the right to suspend or expel attendance of the child from Primary until they are fully potty trained or indefinitely for multiple reasons.
Staff members of Montessori Seeds of Education reserve the right to have a transition meeting with parents of students who are due to move up to the Primary Program in order to make a determination as to whether the student and/or family is truly ready.
Please do not hesitate to ask us any questions you might have!
My child is toilet independent. I understand and agree to what I read above.