Preparing Your Kids for Preschool

The weeks leading up to the first day of preschool are filled with emotions. You may be wondering if your child is ready. You may even be wondering if you’re ready. The best way to ensure that this transition goes smoothly is to be prepared. What steps must you take to prepare for this next step? Here are some tips that will make this adjustment go smoothly.

Visit the School
Most preschools are willing to take you on a tour of their facility before the first day. Call or email the school to set up an appointment and bring your little one on a little tour of the school. You will likely be able to meet the teacher and the principal. You’ll also typically be able to bring your child into a classroom and have a mini practice run during which you can sit at a desk and look around the room. This will give you both an idea of what life will be like for your little one at school.

Practicing Separating from Your Child
One of the most challenging steps in beginning preschool is separating from your child. This may be as challenging for you as it is for them. This can be even more challenging for families who don’t spend much time apart. As your child approaches preschool, it’s time to start. Step one is to try having a relative or sitter stay with them at home. Step two will be leaving them with a relative or sitter at a location that is not your home. This is a safe and easy way to practice separation and will likely make the big first day of preschool a little easier on you both.

Read to Your Child
While preschool is not highly focused on the “academic” side of learning, reading to your child is still very important. If you haven’t started already, get into a habit of reading to them daily. This will help grow your child’s attention span and promote emergent literacy at the same time.

Take a Toddler Class
From music to mini gym, there are numerous opportunities for you and your child to attend a toddler class together. You and your little one will enjoy learning together, and it will also give your child the opportunity to listen to a teacher and understand what it’s like to be part of a class.

Get Your Child Excited for School
You’re your child’s biggest fan, so cheer them on. Talk up the preschool experience so they are excited for the first day. Let them walk around the house with a backpack and a lunchbox. Play “school” so that they know how important and exciting this transition can be.

Conclusion
Remember that preschool’s primary function is not so much the “academic” side of learning. Rather, children will work on social-emotional adaptation, executive function, fine motor, and gross motor skills. It’s a beautiful first step into independence and autonomy. So good luck, parents! It’s going to be an incredible journey!

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