As a paraprofessional, this can’t be happening….

From my experience working as a paraprofessional in early childhood education, I’ve seen firsthand how vital it is for parents to actively teach their children basic life skills, such as toileting and dressing. While schools and staff are trained to assist students with personal care needs, especially in programs like those governed by Anne Arundel County Public Schools, the foundation truly begins at home. When children arrive at school with varying levels of toileting independence, the staff’s role involves supporting and guiding them, but they cannot replace the essential teaching that parents provide. School personnel, regardless of gender, follow strict procedures to assist students with tasks including clothing management and hygiene, often under sensitive and regulated conditions to respect privacy and dignity. Moreover, parents must be notified and provide consent when schools perform personal care tasks, reinforcing the partnership between families and educators. If parents focus on fostering self-help abilities early on, children tend to adapt better and feel more confident in the school environment. This collaboration between home and school ensures smoother transitions and supports students’ growth towards independence. I recommend parents start introducing simple routines at an early age, such as practicing hand-washing, dressing, and toileting, so children develop these skills naturally. Paraprofessionals and teachers can then build upon that foundation while respecting legal and ethical guidelines, which emphasize that no child should be excluded from school due to toileting challenges. This supportive approach not only helps students achieve more autonomy but also eases the workload on educators, creating a positive educational atmosphere for everyone involved.