Toolkit for Integrating Healthy Physical and Mental
Development in Early Learning Guidelines
Health and Safety Topic #7: Toileting
Caring for Our Children (CFOC) Standards and Healthy Kids, Healthy Care Links [Tips for Parents]
Selected States’ Early Learning Guidelines
State Assessment

CFOC Standard(s):

Toilet Learning/Training-2.005

The facility shall develop and implement a plan that teaches each child how and when to use the toilet. Toilet learning/training, when initiated, shall follow a prescribed, sequential plan that is developed and coordinated with the parent's plan for implementation in the home environment and shall be based on the child's developmental level rather than chronological age.
To help children achieve bowel and bladder control, caregivers shall enable children to take an active role in using the toilet when they are physically able to do so and when parents support their children's learning to use the toilet. Caregivers shall take into account the preferences and customs of the child's family.
For children who have not yet learned to use the toilet, the facility shall defer toilet learning/training until the child's family is ready to support this learning and the child demonstrates:
  1. An understanding of the concept of cause and effect;
  2. An ability to communicate;
  3. The physical ability to remain dry for up to 2 hours.
For school-age children, toilet learning/training shall include frequent opportunities to use the toilet and an emphasis on appropriate handwashing after using the toilet.
Children with special needs may require specific instructions or precautions.

Body Mastery for 3- to 5-Year Olds-2.020

The facility shall offer children opportunities to learn about their bodies and how their bodies function in the context of socializing with others. Caregivers shall support the children in their curiosity and body mastery, consistent with parental expectations and cultural preferences. Body mastery includes feeding oneself, learning how to use the toilet, running, skipping, climbing, balancing, playing with peers, displaying affection, and using and manipulating space.
Autoerotic or masturbatory activity shall be ignored unless it is excessive, interferes with other activities, or is noticed by other children, in which case the caregiver shall make a brief non-judgmental comment that touching of private body parts feels good, but is usually done in a private place. After making such a comment, the caregiver shall offer friendly assistance in going on to other activities.

Ability to Open Toilet Room Doors-5.118

Children shall be able to easily open every toilet room door from the inside, and caregivers shall be able to easily open toilet-room doors from the outside if adult assistance is required.

HKHC Link(s):

Toilet Training


AREA: HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICES
GOAL: The program will be operated in a way that fosters healthy development and safety of children.
G. PERSONAL HYGIENE of Staff/Children
4. Toileting is done in a sanitary and appropriate manner to meet the emotional and physical needs of each individual child, including those with disabilities.


Program-Focused Example
Arkansas Framework for Infant and Toddler Care (p.3)

ELEMENT II. ENVIRONMENT
A. Physical
2. The physical environment provides separate and appropriate space for sleeping, eating, diapering/toileting, and for movement and play. The atmosphere is "homelike" and comfortable for infants, toddlers, and the adults who care for them.
B. Program
1. The daily program includes materials and activities that are designed to meet the individual needs of each child. Children are assisted with toilet learning and self-feeding skills based on individual needs. Children experience smooth transitions between activities.
2. Prevention and redirection, as defined in the Glossary of Terms, are the primary techniques for guiding behavior. Management of behavior is based on an understanding of infant/toddler development and appropriate strategies to help the child develop his or her own self-control.

For references to the state early learning guidelines used see State Early Learning Guidelines Used in Examples
Toileting Content:

Content absent

Content to be strengthened

Content approaches CFOC
Action Plan
     


« Speech/Language
Development
Print
Oral Health »
     
©National Resource Center for Health and
Safety in Child Care and Early Education
Please read our disclaimer prior to using any information posted on this Website
Any comments or questions regarding this site should be directed to the
National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education