Does my child need to be potty trained?

At HFCC, we understand that every child develops at their own pace. We believe potty learning is a partnership between home and school and should be approached with patience, consistency, and encouragement. Our goal is to help children feel confident, supported, and successful throughout the process.

Children Ages 2–3

Children in our younger program do not need to be potty-trained to enroll. Many children begin potty learning during this stage, and our teachers work closely with families to support readiness skills and create consistency between home and school.

When a child begins showing signs of readiness, we will work together with families to create a potty learning plan that supports the child in a positive and developmentally appropriate way.

Children Over Age 3

Children over the age of 3 are generally expected to be potty-trained before enrollment. Potty trained typically means a child can:

• Communicate their toileting needs 
• Use the toilet with minimal assistance 
• Pull clothing up and down independently with support as needed 
• Remain mostly dry throughout the school day 

We understand that occasional accidents are a normal part of the learning process and will always be handled calmly and respectfully.

Our Approach

Our approach to potty learning is supportive rather than pressured. Teachers encourage independence while helping children build confidence and body awareness. We work to make toileting routines feel natural and positive within the classroom environment.

Families are asked to provide:

• Several changes of clothing 
• Pull-ups or training underwear if needed 
• Ongoing communication regarding progress at home 

Consistency between home and school is one of the biggest factors in successful potty learning, and we value open communication throughout the process.

Individual Needs

We recognize that every child’s developmental journey is unique. If your child has individual circumstances or developmental considerations, or may need additional support, we encourage families to reach out so we can discuss how best to support your child’s success within our program.