Starting school for the first time can be a hard process for both parents and children. CrossPoint Children’s Center would like to make your experience as easy and as comfortable as possible, so that both you and your child get the most out of preschool.
Here are some basic tips to make this transition as smooth as it can be.
Introduce your child to the preschool ahead of time.
Please feel free to make arrangements with our school to come in before your start date and walk your child around the facility. If he or she is familiar with the building, playgrounds, bathrooms, and classrooms, then the first day of school won’t be quite as startling for them.
Read books about the first day of school to your child.
There are many books available for parents and children that illustrate how preschool works. By reading your child stories about the first day of school, he or she can better understand what to expect when they begin.
Pray for your child's teacher.
All of our staff members have your child’s best interest in mind, and we love to see new faces in our classrooms. So pray that your child connects well with his or her teacher, as well as with the other children in the classroom.
Consider allowing your child to bring something special from home for nap time.
Many children have special objects at home that they find comforting and familiar. If your child has a stuffed animal, doll, blanket, etc., that you believe might soothe their anxiety during their first few days of school, please check with your child’s teacher first. During work time, teachers will ask the children to keep this object in their cubbies, but depending on the classroom, they may have it during inside play time, nap, etc. (as long as it does not bother the other children in the room).
Talk about preschool often before the first day.
To get your child used to the idea of school and the separation from parents, talk to him or her on a regular basis leading up to the first day of preschool. Mention things that will be similar or different to your current daily routine, such as eating habits, naptime, crafts and activities, and so on. Reinforce that preschool is something to look forward to, not something to be scared of.
Prepare your child with language appropriate to his or her level.
When your child begins preschool, the teachers will speak to him or her accordingly. Make sure to instill the habits of using complete sentences, using the proper words to express desires, needs, and ideas, and annunciating his or her words. Language development is a vital aspect of preschool, and it would greatly benefit your child to have the concepts he or she will learn at preschool to be reinforced at home.
Parent and child separation anxiety is an important consideration for preparing for the first day of school.
If the parent takes time to prepare, this can be a positive experience for everyone. Talking to other preschool parents, teachers, and administrators can provide you with some vital insight and helpful tips to deal with separation anxiety. Just know that if your child does experience some anxiety when starting preschool, it doesn’t last forever! The students do become accustomed to the school routine, and it becomes easier to say goodbye to mom or dad each morning.
