If your 4 year old uses a potty at nursery...

[Blueypartymummy]

If your 4 year old is still using a potty at nursery, how is that done to ensure it is respectful of the child/ maintains their dignity.

DD has just turned 4 and like many autistic kids she has issues around toileting. She is out of nappies in the day...but only because we remind her every 2 hours to sit on the potty.

She previously used toilets and pottys independently,but had a huge regression upon moving from toddler room to preschool...I think the staff in there might have forced her to use the toilet instead of potty and it was one of the reasons why we pulled her out of that setting in the autumn.

We are currently trying a new setting and they are happy for her to use a potty, but have suggested she use it within the main bathroom, which has no door and is just off the main room. I don't think this is going to work with a 4 year old - I think she will feel self conscious/ embarrassed. The alternative is that she take the potty into the toilet cubicle to use - but I don't think they are quite big enough/ clean enough for this.

I don't know what to do - she is keen on the setting otherwise and she so wants to socialise with other children. She is only booked in for 3 hour sessions so maybe she can hold it...

What arrangements do you have?

Some suggestions if helpful

Portable Privacy Screens: perhaps a portable privacy screen that can be set up around the potty in the main bathroom. This can provide a sense of privacy and security for your daughter while she's using the potty.

Designated Potty Area: If there's a quiet corner or a less frequented area in the main room, this could be designated as the 'potty area' with the staff ensuring other children give privacy when the area is in use?

Use of Staff Bathroom - If the preschool has a staff bathroom that's cleaner and more private, perhaps they would allow your daughter to use it?

Potty Tent or Pop-up Cubicle: perhaps a small pop-up tent or cubicle could be set up in the main room or another suitable area? These can provide a good level of privacy and can be easily folded away when not in use.

Do they have a disabled toilet?