Tips For Starting Preschool

Sending your child off to school for the first time is an important day for both them and you. Even if your little one is heading off to preschool for only a few hours, it’s a very big step for someone wearing such little shoes. While it’s very likely that you’ll be wiping some tears as they head off, it’s important to make sure that they’re not sharing in that with you.  Preparing your child ahead of time is a great way to get them ready for their preschool debut. Here are some preschool-starting tips:

• Visit your local library during a story time session. This will get your child used to hearing someone other than your family members read to them.
• Establish a routine of going to bed early and waking up early to help them adjust ahead of time to their new school routine.
• Make sure your child is comfortable with letting someone know that they have to use the bathroom.
• If there’s a school visiting day ahead of time, be sure to attend with your child. It will help them feel more comfortable on the first day if they have already seen their classroom and met their teacher. If you do meet some of the kids from your child’s class, arrange a play date before the start of school.
• Include your child in the school supply selection process. Let them pick out their own backpack and lunchbox.
• Share stories with them about when you went to school and if you have pictures, make sure to show them those as well. They will feel more at ease if they know that this is something that mommy or daddy did.
• Read books about going to school and saying goodbye. It’s important for your child to know that you will not be staying with them but will be back to pick them up later on.
• If your child hasn’t been cared for by others, you may want to leave them for short periods of time with a trusted babysitter or family member. They’ll feel more secure when they see that you always come back for them.
• Allow your child to take a small personal item with them on the first day of school as an added comfort. These pocket hearts are a cute way for your child to hold a piece of your heart close by and ease their nerves whenever they hold it.
• Remember that separation is a process and it is normal if your child needs a little bit of time to get comfortable with their new situation.

We understand that children (and parents) can have some apprehension on the first day of preschool, but Miss Sue’s is here to provide the most loving, safe and nurturing school for all of their students and families. To learn more about our program or to take a tour of the school, give us a call at 516-938-0894 or visit us here.