Whether it’s a new school or your child’s very first experience attending preschool, there are a multitude of ways your family can prepare for this exciting chapter. Most infants up to seven months of age easily adjust to the changes that come with being cared for outside of their homes. Older children may find it a bit more challenging and need extra time and your support to make the transition. No matter your child’s age, it won’t be long before they’re embracing their daily routine and thriving alongside their new friends. Here are some ways your family can prepare before the big day.
Prepare Yourself
Starting new childcare can sometimes be harder on parents than it is on children! Since our children can sense our moods, be sure you remain calm and confident when talking about the transition with your child. Talk through any concerns you might have with family, friends, or even staff members at your new school. Asking questions and getting concrete answers may help you feel reassurance about what’s to come. It’s completely normal to worry about what’s best for your child, but remember that preschool opens your child up to a whole new and exciting world!
Make Introductions Early and Get Familiar with the New Setting
Being prepared can make any new experience easier to handle. Arrange a visit with your child to check out their school, meet their teacher, and see their new classroom. You can also introduce the preschool concept to your child with some great books! If they’re older, you can briefly describe what their new routine will look like. You can share who will take them to school, the activities they will enjoy, and who will pick them up. This concrete explanation of what’s to come can help your child feel more comfortable in a new environment.
Schedule and Routine
A few weeks before your child begins preschool, ask the school if you can have a copy of their daily schedule for your child’s age group, including nap times, meal times, and activity times. Then, alter your child’s daily schedule day by day to get them used to any changes in routines. For instance, if your child normally naps at noon, but preschool naps are at 11, first push the nap up by fifteen minutes for a few days, and then by another 15 minutes to adjust your child’s schedule. Having the same basic schedule will help prevent the “preschool jetlag” some children may have after starting school. If it’s convenient for you, you can also adapt your household schedule to match. One TGS parent shared this helpful piece of advice:
“We actually changed some of the things we do at home to match what our child does at TGS. This consistency around meals and nap times has helped him transition easily between home and school.”
You can find more tips and tricks from fellow parents and TGS teachers in this article.
Practice Drop Offs and Saying Goodbye
If you rarely leave your child with someone new, it’s a good idea to practice before preschool begins. Take your child to a friend’s house while you run an errand. Practice this a couple of times and introduce a goodbye routine that includes a hug and a warm goodbye. The goal is to help your child understand that a parent will always come back for them.
Despite practice runs, the first couple of school drop-offs may be emotional. And while this moment is an exciting milestone, it’s okay if it also feels difficult. Getting used to being apart from your child all day may be hard on all of you. If your child holds onto you and cries, give them a big hug, acknowledge their feelings, and let them know you’ll be back for them- then leave. They typically calm down very quickly, after about a minute or two. Then, a new friend, kind adult, or novel toy may capture their attention. Even if a child cries for a few minutes, our early childhood educators are skilled at comforting and redirecting young children. If you’re feeling hesitant or unsure of yourself, remember that you are making the best choice for your family. Trust in the fact that you’ve done your research and have picked the very best preschool for your child and your family’s needs. To help ease the transition, plan on extra cuddles and plenty of one-on-one time together for the first week of preschool!
The Gardner School Supports Families
We help kids transition to preschool by providing a warm, active, and engaging atmosphere for little ones. We provide a balanced mix of open playtime and structured activities to help children prepare for kindergarten and beyond. To learn why parents choose The Gardner School for their children to grow and learn, contact us to learn more or to schedule a tour.