“Mastered” Potty Training? Here’s What to Do If Your Child Isn’t Quite There Yet
You’ve found the perfect preschool but then you read the fine print: Children must be fully potty trained.
And your heart sinks. Your child is making progress, but they're not 100% there. Maybe they still wear a pull-up at nap time. Maybe they need reminders or still fear the big toilet.
So what do you do? Should you tell the preschool? Or wait and hope for the best?
Here’s what to consider—and how to handle this tricky situation with honesty and confidence.
What Does “Mastered Potty Training” Really Mean?
Some preschools require children to:
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Be in underwear (no diapers or pull-ups)
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Use the toilet independently (including wiping and handwashing)
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Communicate when they need to go
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Handle accidents with minimal help
Others are more flexible and understand that every child develops at their own pace.
Should You Tell the Preschool?
Yes. Be honest.
Let them know your child is making progress but hasn’t fully mastered potty training yet. Transparency sets your child up for success and keeps trust strong between your family and the school.
Why it matters:
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Some schools will offer support if they know in advance.
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Others may have strict policies, and not disclosing could lead to your child being asked to stay home.
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Teachers appreciate knowing what to expect so they can help your child feel more comfortable.
What to Say
Keep it simple and reassuring. For example:
“We’ve been actively potty training and he’s made great progress—he’s in underwear most of the day but still needs occasional reminders or help with wiping. We’re continuing to work on it and would love to know how your staff supports kids who are close but not fully independent yet.”
How to Support Your Child Before Preschool Starts
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Use a consistent routine
Potty before meals, before leaving the house, and right after arriving somewhere helps build good habits. -
Introduce a folding potty seat
Preschool toilets can be intimidating. A product like the Jool Baby Folding Potty Seat gives your child a sense of comfort and familiarity. -
Practice independence
Encourage pulling pants up/down, wiping, flushing, and washing hands on their own at home. -
Talk about the preschool bathroom
Normalize it with books, pretend play, or even a walk-through of the school if possible.
What If the Preschool Says No?
If the school has a firm requirement, it’s okay to:
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Ask about their policy on transitional periods or partial readiness.
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Delay the start date by a few weeks.
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Continue potty training with a goal of reevaluating soon.
And remember: Every child gets there in their own time. Potty training isn’t a race—it’s a skill that develops with patience, practice, and support.
It can be stressful when preschool potty training expectations don’t match your child’s current progress. But honesty with the school—and grace with yourself—can go a long way.
Whether your child is almost there or just getting started, Jool Baby’s potty training tools (like our Folding Potty Seat and Real Feel Potty Chair) can help make the transition smoother.
Explore our potty training essentials and feel more prepared for preschool—one step at a time.