top of page
Search

Potty Training and Daycare: How to Make It a Team Effort


Potty training can feel like a major milestone. It’s exciting, messy, emotional, and often unpredictable. And when daycare is part of your child’s week, the best results usually come from one thing: teamwork.


If your child is in a daycare in Ann Arbor (or you’re getting ready to start), this guide will help you coordinate potty training at home and at school in a way that feels consistent, calm, and realistic.


Start with readiness (not pressure)


Every child is different. Many kids do best when potty training starts from readiness rather than a strict timeline.


Common readiness signs include:

  • Staying dry for longer stretches

  • Showing interest in the bathroom or underwear

  • Noticing wet/dirty diapers

  • Predictable poop timing

  • Ability to follow simple steps (pull down/up, sit, wash hands)


If your child is not ready yet, that’s okay. Readiness varies widely and it’s normal for toddlers to need more time.


Align on language and expectations


Before you begin (or as soon as you can), align on simple basics with your daycare team:

  • What words do we use? (“potty,” “toilet,” “pee/poop,” etc.)

  • Are we using underwear, pull-ups, or both?

  • How often will we prompt? (every 60–90 minutes is common early on)

  • What’s the plan for accidents?

  • How will updates be shared at pickup or in daily notes?


A supportive program should welcome this collaboration. If you’re looking for a place that values parent partnership and predictable routines, explore our Approach and our Info for Parents resources.


Keep the routine consistent across home and daycare


Consistency is the “secret ingredient.”


Helpful consistency points:

  • Similar potty timing (after meals, before nap, before outdoor play)

  • Same general steps (bathroom → sit → wipe → wash hands)

  • Same calm tone and response to accidents

  • Same expectations (no punishment, no shame)


If your child is having separation anxiety or big drop-off feelings at the same time, it’s usually best to keep things gentle and predictable. This post can help: The First Two Weeks of Daycare: What’s Normal (and When to Worry).


Pack smart (it makes everything easier)


Potty training is mostly a laundry and logistics project for a little while.


Send:

  • 3–5 extra pairs of underwear

  • 2–3 extra pants/leggings

  • Extra socks

  • A wet bag or zip bag for soiled clothing

  • Extra wipes (if requested)


If you need a full packing list, this pairs well with: What to Pack for Daycare: A Simple Toddler & Preschool Checklist.


Expect accidents (and normalize them)


Accidents are not failure. They’re information.


Helpful phrases:

  • “It’s okay. Your body is learning.”

  • “Let’s try again next time.”

  • “We’ll clean up and keep going.”


Kids learn faster when they feel safe. Shame and pressure usually slow things down.


When to pause or slow down


Sometimes it’s better to pause and try again later if:

  • Your child is very distressed or resisting strongly

  • Accidents are frequent and causing stress for everyone

  • There’s a big life change happening (new baby, move, illness)

  • Sleep is disrupted heavily


You’re not “behind.” You’re responding to what your child needs.


Potty training works best as a shared plan


When daycare and parents are aligned, potty training is smoother and calmer, and kids tend to build confidence faster.


At Squiggle Room, we support children through transitions with patient routines and supportive communication. If you’re searching for a daycare in Ann Arbor, explore our Programs and reach out to schedule a tour.


Related reading:

Comments

bottom of page