I appreciate everyone's thoughts about this.

I don't have a potty outline; in all my years, it has always progressed naturally when the time has felt right with the child/parents, without issues. This did take me aback, so today I asked the mom how she expects the child to tell me he needs to go, plus I asked how she is training him verbally, so I can mirror. She agrees it will be a challenge given his lack of expression and that she'll let me know how it goes at home. I reminded her it's group care, and she understands; said he will be in pull-ups at daycare for however long I wish. Not sure how confusing that will be between home and here, but I can't change what she does at home - he is already in underwear on weekends, training..... i didn't ask how much laundry she has been doing....

I do assist all my daycare children in the bathroom with wiping for thoroughness, and pulling up pants (who invented Skinny jeans for toddlers?). Luckily the bthrm is adjacent to daycare rooms and i can see all rooms easily.

I'm going to encourage him as much as possible to keep the ball rolling if she makes progress at home. I have a really great group of kids, but this guy has to put up with being pushed to the back of the line so to speak (survival of the fittest right?) in many cases. I've seen he does have patience and determination so who knows how his thoughts are with potty training. All i need is a great big point to his diaper and grunt and i'll stick him on the potty. If he has success, great, i'll build on that and I can wait for his coordination to catch up. If he doesn't after a few days, then it will become obvious it's too early.

Will keep you posted... not sure if it's next week or week after she's got him booked for potty boot camp....