Preschools and schools need to know if a child is unable to use the toilet without help so they can provide support. It may be important for your child to have a consistent approach to toileting when at home and at preschool or school.
Toilet training
Generally, children are toilet trained by the time they start preschool or school, however this may not always be the case. Each child is unique and they all learn and develop at their own pace.
If your child is yet to become toilet independent, you can use the Parenting SA toilet training guide.
Even when a child is able to use the toilet independently, an occasional accident is normal. Most kindergartens ask that a change of clothes is kept in the child's bag in case of accidents.
Incontinence due to medical conditions
Always tell the preschool or school about your child's health issues, including whether they are incontinent due to medical conditions. This will ensure proper arrangements are put in place including:
- a care plan
- appropriate facilities
- trained staff.
Care plan
Children who need help with toileting for medical reasons should have a continence care plan completed by the treating doctor or a continence specialist.
The care plan should detail:
- the nature and extent of predictable, routine or regular support required
- management of unplanned events
- equipment or aids that are required and emergency contact for supplies
- catheter management, if relevant.
The information is confidential and will only be available to supervising staff and medical personnel.
