Toileting IEP goals for preschool (ages 3 to 5)
12 of the toileting templates in the library are written for preschool (ages 3 to 5). Each opens in the builder, where the grade band is a starting point and the baseline comes from your own assessment.
12 templates · 1 skill · Pre-K · How we write and review goals
Goals by skill
Numbers are illustrative; set targets from the student's own baseline.
Toileting Functional & Independence Skills
Request the bathroom with a picture or sign
Communicating the need to use the bathroom
By the annual IEP review date, when they show the signs of needing the bathroom listed in their toileting plan (holding, squirming, pausing play), the student will tell an adult they need the bathroom by handing over the picture card, signing, saying a word, or pressing a device button before an adult names the bathroom in at least 4 of 6 opportunities, on 4 of 5 consecutive school days, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected daily, across the school day.
Go to the bathroom at the schedule cue
Taking part in a toileting schedule
By the annual IEP review date, when the toileting schedule cue is given (a timer, the bathroom picture on their visual schedule, or an adult's spoken cue), the student will stop the current activity and walk to the bathroom with the adult independently in at least 5 of 6 opportunities, on 4 of 5 observed days, as measured by opportunity-by-opportunity data collected at every scheduled trip.
Use the toilet during scheduled sits
Taking part in a toileting schedule
By the annual IEP review date, during scheduled toileting sits across the school day, the student will urinate or have a bowel movement in the toilet with a picture of the routine posted in the stall at least 3 times per school day, on 4 of 5 observed days, as measured by frequency recording collected daily, at every scheduled sit.
Arrive at bathroom checks with dry clothing
Taking part in a toileting schedule
By the annual IEP review date, at each scheduled dry check during the school day, the student will arrive at the check with dry clothing with no adult reminder between checks in at least 5 of 6 opportunities, on 4 of 5 consecutive school days, as measured by direct observation collected daily, at every scheduled check.
Follow picture steps for a toileting trip
Toileting routine steps
By the annual IEP review date, during scheduled toileting trips in the classroom bathroom, the student will complete the steps of the toileting trip shown on the picture sequence, performing at least 5 of 6 steps independently, across 5 consecutive school days, as measured by a task-analysis checklist collected daily at one scheduled trip.
Set up a step stool and seat insert
Accessible restrooms and adaptive equipment
By the annual IEP review date, during toileting trips in a bathroom with an adult-size toilet, a seat insert and a step stool kept in the same place, the student will set up the step stool and seat insert, climb up, and sit with both feet on the stool, performing at least 4 of 5 steps independently, on 4 of 5 consecutive school days, as measured by a task-analysis checklist collected daily at one scheduled trip.
Preschool toileting goals are measured inside daily routines rather than with worksheets, and the criteria are small: a few opportunities a day, a handful of steps, short periods of time. Conditions name the routine (circle, centers, snack) so any adult in the room can take the data.
Matching data sheets
Each goal above links to the blank sheet built for its measure. These are the sheets this set of goals uses:
- Opportunity trackerRecords each opportunity as independent, prompted, or not demonstrated.Used by 5 goals here
- Frequency & rate trackerCounts a defined behavior during a fixed observation period. Calculates rate when time is recorded.Used by 2 goals here
- Task-analysis checklistMarks each step of a routine as independent, with support, or not completed across sessions.Used by 3 goals here
- Duration trackerTimes how long a behavior lasts and compares it with the target duration.Used by 1 goal here
- Latency trackerTimes the gap between a cue and the start of the response.Used by 1 goal here
Frequently asked questions
What do toileting goals look like for preschool?
They describe a readiness or developmental skill performed during a classroom routine, with a criterion in opportunities or steps. The support level is written in, since most preschool goals start with prompting and fade it.
How often should preschool goals be measured?
A few opportunities on most days, recorded on a trial or task-analysis sheet. Short, frequent samples match how young children show skills.
Does a preschool IEP need the same parts as a school-age IEP?
Yes. Measurable annual goals, present levels, and progress reporting are required at every age under 34 CFR 300.320. Preschool IEPs may also address participation in appropriate activities rather than the general curriculum.
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