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asks:
Q:
Can the school release my son from the pre-k program for having bowel movements in school?
"My son just turned 4 and we have started potty training. He has not mastered the art of having bowel movements in the potty. He started school this last Monday. I received a call from his teacher stating that if he continues to have the bowel movements in school then they would have to release him from the program. I don't really know if they can do that."
Asked by Rebecca via email.
In Topics:
Kindergarten readiness, Working with my child's teacher(s), Physical Health
Asked by Rebecca via email.
> 60 days ago
What the Expert Says:
Resources:
Additional Answers (1)
Yes, if a child is not fully potty trained he can be removed from a preschool program. Most private preschools/childcare centers require 4 year olds in the US to be fully potty trained. Both Head Start and public pre-kindergarten programs for 4 year olds also require full potty training. As a veteran ESL pre-k teacher for almost 20 years I have encountered many children who were not fully potty trained at 4 years of age for a variety of reasons. I always recommend the following resources to parents when it comes to potty training:
Once Upon a Potty DVD
Elmo's Potty Time DVD
Both of these are usually available at the local library free of charge. They should also have a selection of potty training books. Don't be afraid to ask the children's reference librarian for help finding potty training resources. After the child has been potty trained he can usually be re-admitted into the program.
The reasons for not allowing un-trained children into 4 year old preschool is due to state staffing and health code laws. Most 4 year old programs have a much larger teacher to child ratio than 3 or 2 year old programs. When you have one teacher alone with 12-22 four year olds she cannot possibly change diapers and still watch and teach the other children- it isn't safe. 4 year old classrooms are also not set up with changing tables and don't always have running water, which is a health department requirement for any classroom where teachers change diapers.
In the US, the culture of potty training is the earlier the better- due in part to the large number of children who attend child care. However, in many other countries the philosophy is whenever the child is ready. This difference can often cause problems when it comes to preschool and childcare in the US.
Once Upon a Potty DVD
Elmo's Potty Time DVD
Both of these are usually available at the local library free of charge. They should also have a selection of potty training books. Don't be afraid to ask the children's reference librarian for help finding potty training resources. After the child has been potty trained he can usually be re-admitted into the program.
The reasons for not allowing un-trained children into 4 year old preschool is due to state staffing and health code laws. Most 4 year old programs have a much larger teacher to child ratio than 3 or 2 year old programs. When you have one teacher alone with 12-22 four year olds she cannot possibly change diapers and still watch and teach the other children- it isn't safe. 4 year old classrooms are also not set up with changing tables and don't always have running water, which is a health department requirement for any classroom where teachers change diapers.
In the US, the culture of potty training is the earlier the better- due in part to the large number of children who attend child care. However, in many other countries the philosophy is whenever the child is ready. This difference can often cause problems when it comes to preschool and childcare in the US.
> 60 days ago
