Maryland Requires Teachers to Assist with Potty Training in Four Largest Districts

Maryland's four largest school districts have begun requiring teachers to provide potty-training assistance to children up to age 5. The policy applies in districts that together serve most of the state's public-school students. It was adopted after pre-K enrollment rose in those districts.

Teachers must now help with toileting tasks that previously fell to parents or aides. The requirement covers children enrolled in pre-K classrooms. Districts have not released figures on how many additional staff hours the change will require.

State data show pre-K enrollment in the four districts increased in the most recent school year. Officials have not stated whether the enrollment rise directly caused the new staffing rule.