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Potty Training Regression at Daycare or Preschool

Calm support when accidents return after a transition

If your child was potty trained—and suddenly they’re having accidents at daycare or preschool—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common reasons families reach out.

Potty training regression can feel confusing and frustrating, especially when everything was working. Many parents wonder what they did wrong—or worry they need to start over.

Most of the time, that’s not true.

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Regression doesn’t mean potty training failed

It usually means something changed

Potty training regressions often show up during transitions, including:

  • Starting daycare or preschool

  • Changing classrooms or caregivers

  • New schedules or longer days

  • Increased stimulation or expectations

Even children who were confidently potty trained can lose consistency when their environment shifts.

This isn’t backsliding.
It’s a nervous system response.

Why daycare and school trigger accidents

Even in “trained” kids

New environments ask a lot of children:

  • Different bathrooms

  • Different routines

  • Less individualized support

  • More noise, stimulation, and social pressure

For many kids, this stress shows up as:

  • Accidents they don’t seem to notice

  • Waiting too long to go

  • Difficulty speaking up

  • Less body awareness during busy days

Accidents don’t mean your child forgot how to use the toilet.
They often mean their body is working harder to keep up.

What helps potty training regressions resolve

Small changes—not a full reset

The goal with regression is stability, not restarting potty training from the beginning.

Progress usually returns when:

  • Routines are clarified and reinforced

  • Expectations are adjusted to fit the environment

  • Adults respond calmly and consistently

  • Transitions are supported more intentionally

With the right tweaks, many children regain consistency faster than parents expect.

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How I support families through potty training regression

Pattern-spotting and practical adjustments

I help families navigate potty training regression by:

  • Identifying patterns parents often miss

  • Understanding how school routines affect body awareness

  • Adjusting expectations without lowering them

  • Supporting communication between home and school

  • Helping adults respond in ways that reduce pressure

Often, it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing things a little differently.

Why guided support makes a difference

Especially during transitions

Potty training regressions can feel personal, but they’re rarely about effort or consistency.

Having support allows us to:

  • Make sense of what’s actually happening

  • Respond without frustration or panic

  • Prevent small issues from becoming entrenched

  • Restore confidence—for both the child and the adults

This is especially helpful when daycare or preschool is involved.

❊ Testimonials

Reflections from families.

Many families say the biggest shift wasn’t just their child’s progress, but their own confidence in knowing how to respond, adjust, and keep going.

“Cara is truly a life saver. She was not only able to potty train our non verbal autistic kid but was also able to make him independent which was such an important goal for us. She truly treated my son as her own family. My wife has spent countless hours in trying to potty train our son but because he is non verbal autistic we just lost hope but Cara literally potty trained him in just few days.

For anyone who is reading these reviews and considering Cara. I would say just go for it you won’t regret.”

Assad U., Parent

“The remote coaching was an incredible help, not only with potty training but with communication as well. Our 2 year old was going through a potty training regression, and after working with Cara we're back on the right track, with great ways to make the potty a positive experience and how speak to our daughter in a way that makes sense and connects with her on her level.”


Logan W., Parent

“Cara came to my house and literally saved me. My daughter is autistic and was 4 at the time. I tried every single method possible on my own. After 6 months of failing I decided to look into getting professional help. She was so calm and patient. The whole thing took 3 days. I would NEVER have been able to do it on my own. And I kept having visions of my daughter a teenager and still in diapers. I’m beyond grateful for Cara and the days she spent with me and my family. She is AMAZING.”

Elizabeth N., Parent

Start with a guided inquiry

So we can stabilize things and move forward

Accidents don’t erase progress

They’re a signal—not a setback

If you’re dealing with potty training regression at daycare or preschool, relief usually comes from understanding—not restarting.

Every regression has context. The guided inquiry helps me understand:

  • When the accidents started

  • What changed in your child’s environment

  • How routines differ between home and school

  • What adjustments will be most helpful right now

From there, I’ll guide you toward the right next step—often targeted support rather than a full reset.

A young boy with blonde hair resting on an adult's shoulder, being held at the beach during sunset.