Infancy is a critical period in which foundational aspects of human development are established. This study examined early childhood teachers’ practical competencies by analyzing the perceived importance and performance of toilet training practices....
Infancy is a critical period in which foundational aspects of human development are established. This study examined early childhood teachers’ practical competencies by analyzing the perceived importance and performance of toilet training practices. A total of 200 childcare teachers participated in a survey conducted from December 3 to December 24, 2024, using a revised questionnaire following a pilot study. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22, and an Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA) matrix was applied.
The results showed significant gaps between importance and performance. Teachers rated the appropriate timing of initiation and completion, readiness indicators, and the need for a natural approach as highly important but insufficiently implemented. In contrast, practices such as early standing urination training for boys and delaying training for sensitive infants were performed more frequently than their perceived importance. Educational needs included greater recognition of individual differences, the negative effects of forced training, and flexibility in training timelines.