#400 - Should Kindergartners Be Potty Trained Before School? What a New Kansas Bill Could Mean for Families

Mar 18, 2026

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

There has been growing conversation around proposed legislation that would require children to be toilet trained before enrolling in kindergarten. In this episode, we take a thoughtful look at what these policies mean from a developmental and occupational therapy perspective.

We talk about what the proposed Kansas bill would require, how states like Utah already define “toilet trained,” and the gray area that can exist for children who may not yet have an official diagnosis but are still struggling with toileting for medical, sensory, or developmental reasons.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss the many factors that can affect toileting development in young children, including pelvic floor dysfunction, constipation, encopresis, sensory processing differences, interoception challenges, anxiety, and major life changes that can lead to regression. We also look at the real-world challenges schools face when supporting young students and why toileting independence can’t always be viewed as a simple behavior or discipline issue.

This episode is not about debating policy. Instead, it’s about understanding child development, recognizing how complex toileting readiness can be, and considering how families, schools, and healthcare professionals can better support kids who are still developing these skills.

Thanks for listening 🩷If this conversation resonated with you, share it with a parent, teacher, or therapist navigating potty training or school readiness.

LINKS

We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3