One of the requirements for enrollment in my preschool is that children need to be able to use the potty independently. Let’s break it down: what exactly does "independent bathroom use" mean, and why is it important in a preschool setting?

Why Do Preschoolers Need to Use the Potty on Their Own?

There are a couple of reasons I have this policy, and they’re both practical and personal:

Safety & Supervision: In my classroom, I’m often the only adult present. That means I need to stay with the class and cannot accompany one child into the bathroom without leaving the rest unattended. Staying with the group is a priority for safety and for continuing our learning activities smoothly.
Preschool vs. Daycare: I love teaching preschoolers—I really do! And that’s what I want to do, teach. That means I focus on learning, social skills, and play—without diaper duty services. (God bless you, daycare professionals. You guys are amazing!) Once I finished potty training my own kids, I promised myself I’d never deal with poopy bums again unless it was a true emergency. And I’m sticking to it. 😉

So What Counts as “Independent Potty Use”?

When I say children need to use the bathroom independently, I mean they should be able to:

Recognize when they need to go
Get to the bathroom in time
Pull pants down and back up
Use the toilet
Wipe themselves
Flush
Wash and dry their hands

I know that’s a lot for little kids to manage! I absolutely don’t expect perfection. Potty independence is a big skill, and even kids who have been potty trained for a while may still need some reminders and encouragement.

How We Support Bathroom Success at School

On the very first day of preschool, we take a bathroom tour. We talk about what the bathroom is for, how to use it, and when it’s okay to go. I let students know that they can go to the bathroom anytime—during lessons, snack time, free play, or recess. If we’re indoors, they can quietly walk over and go. If we’re outside, they just need to quickly tell me before heading inside so I don’t worry.

In practice, this looks like:

Child: “I’m going to the bathroom.”
Me: “Great job listening to your body!”

When they come out, I might say:

“Did you flush?”
“Did you wash your hands?”
“Way to go; doing that all by yourself!”

And yes, I act very impressed when they remember to do all the steps—because I am impressed! If they forget something and go back, I thank them for being honest and taking care of it.

If I notice someone doing the classic potty dance, I’ll gently suggest they try a bathroom break. It’s all low-pressure and supportive.

When Kids Ask for Help

Sometimes kids need help with tricky clothes—zippers, buttons, or snaps. If it’s something quick, I’m happy to help! But I do recommend dressing your child in clothes they can easily manage on their own to set them up for success.

Occasionally, kids will call for me from the bathroom. I always go check—just in case they’re hurt, scared, or confused. Sometimes it’s as simple as coaching them through the door:

“Tear off some toilet paper. Wipe. Drop it in. Get a few more squares. Wipe again.”

If a child is truly distressed or insistent, I may go in to help—but I always remind them that next time, let’s try to do it solo.

And yes, some kids ask me to come in just to keep them company. I always say something like:

“Sorry, we go to the bathroom all by ourselves at school. I’ll stay out here and keep teaching. Come tell me when you’re done so I can say good job!”

This builds both independence and confidence—and it really works over time.

Once, a preschooler proudly came out of the bathroom—pants and underwear around his ankles—to tell me, “I went potty all by myself!” 😅

Yes, buddy, I can see that!

We had a quick chat about pulling your pants back up before walking out, and he went on his way feeling like a rockstar. (As he should!)

What If They Have an Accident?

Accidents happen—and that’s okay! When they do, I respond with reassurance:

“It’s okay! Accidents happen to everyone sometimes.”

Some kids get really upset or embarrassed; others don’t bat an eye. Either way, I meet them where they’re at emotionally.

If they have a change of clothes in their backpack, I’ll bring it to them and let them change in the bathroom. If they need help changing or don’t have clean clothes, I’ll call or text a parent to come assist. You’re always welcome to send a spare outfit just in case.

We clean up, mop if needed, and get back to our day. No shame, no big fuss—just loving help.

What About Kids in Pull-Ups?

Great question—because I do have a few students each year who wear pull-ups or diapers. That’s absolutely okay with me! I figure it’s none of my business what underwear your child is wearing.

But the same rule applies: I don’t provide potty help. Your child must be able to handle their bathroom needs independently, and you should be available to come help them if needed.

Final Thoughts

Yes, I require independent potty use. But no, I don’t expect perfection. My job is to support your child as they grow, and bathroom independence is just one of the many skills we work on at this age.

If your child is still working on this skill, don’t stress! Practice over the summer. Let them try using the bathroom completely on their own at home—start to finish—so it feels familiar at school. It really helps if their first solo potty experience isn’t in a brand-new environment with new faces.

Got questions or concerns? Let’s talk about it. I’m here to help!

PS: Fellow teachers—stay tuned! I’ll be writing a post soon about my take on the “when and how to let students use the bathroom” debate.

Want to hear a funny story?

Once, a preschooler proudly came out of the bathroom—pants and underwear around their ankles—to tell me, “I went potty all by myself!” 😅
Yes, buddy, I can see that!
We had a quick chat about pulling your pants back up before walking out, and he went on his way feeling like a rockstar. (As he should!)

And just to show I get it as a mom, here’s one from home:

My daughter was about two years old and “swimming” in the bathtub with her older brother when she suddenly screamed, “I POOED MY SUIT! MOM!”
I panicked and ran in, only to see her waddling out of the bathroom with a suspicious bulge in her dripping swimsuit, leaving wet trails behind her.
Just as I was bracing myself for a mess... plop—the "poop" dropped onto the floor.
Except—it wasn’t poop.
It was one of my son’s brown action figures!
Turns out the whole thing was a prank planned by both kids, and they burst into laughter behind the bathroom door. I was equal parts relieved and terrified for what kind of pranks I’d be dealing with as they got older. 😂

Do Preschoolers Need to Be Potty Trained? Here’s What “Independent Bathroom Use” Means in My Classroom