Transitioning a child from being at home to spending their days at a childcare setting or preschool can be an adjustment for both the child and parents. It’s one thing to consider whether the child is ready for preschool, but making the move requires another level of commitment and trust.
At The Gardner School, we know you want the best for your child, and so do we. From the initial discovery to your first visit to your child’s first day, our goal is to walk alongside you in making your transition to childcare as smooth and comforting as possible. Here are a few tips for making the move from home to childcare an easy one for all parties involved.
Do Your Research
While we hope that choosing The Gardner School for your child will be without hesitation, we know that the wisest strategy a parent can take involves doing some research on the childcare and preschool facilities in your area. We’re confident that when you learn about The Gardner School’s academically-focused programs, STEAM-driven learning, degreed and highly qualified teachers, safe and secure environment, enrichment classes, and summer camp, the decision will be simple. However, it’s always good to know your options so that your child’s specific needs are addressed first and foremost. Getting a firsthand account from other parents is also another great way to learn about a childcare facility or preschool. Here are some words of wisdom from current parents of The Gardner School students.
Schedule a Tour
You know the famous phrase, “You have to see it to believe it,” right? Well, we couldn’t agree more when it comes to choosing a childcare or preschool for your child. From the first impression upon entry to the classrooms to the playground, a childcare facility’s environment is important. Some important things to note are a facility’s safety and security, cleanliness, aesthetic design, and even the way children and staff are engaging. When you tour The Gardner School, you will feel at ease about all these key factors. As you see a normal day at The Gardner School in action, you will believe in our motto, “Where Learning Begins.”
Meet the Staff
Knowing a childcare or preschool facility’s director and assistant director is important to feeling at ease about your child’s enrollment there, but knowing your child’s teachers is even more comforting. As they will spend each day in a teacher’s care, make sure you meet your child’s potential teachers when you visit. You’ll quickly feel at ease with The Gardner School’s well-educated, well-trained, caring, and motivating team of support.
Adjust Schedules as Needed
From napping to eating to potty training, it’s very important for parents to understand the school’s schedule and how to adjust things at home to best correlate with that routine. We encourage infants and their families to keep whatever schedule works best for the child, which is why our infant room schedules are based on the children in the classroom. For toddlers and older, we work with the parents to transition all the children in the classroom to a similar schedule. Helping your child adjust can involve maintaining the same weekend nap times and feeding schedules from the school day, so that a child can function smoothly during the week. It could also involve continuing any potty training practices that are working best at school or home. You will receive updates throughout the day at The Gardner School through our parent communications app, so you can keep track of your child’s activities, feeding, and naps. Above all, the true success of a smooth childcare transition will be found in working together with the child’s teacher and keeping communication open.
If you need some extra help in making your transition, here’s a checklist for choosing the best preschool. To learn more about The Gardner School or to schedule a tour at a location near you, contact us today! You’ll quickly see how we have created a rich learning environment that will stimulate your child’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth at any age from infanthood to kindergarten.
