The decision to begin preschool for your child can be a stressful time. It can be tough not only for your little one, but for you, the parent as well. Going to preschool is a big change for kids as they shift from their daily at-home routines and comforts to learning a new environment under a teacher’s guidance. It’s also a change for you both to spend time apart. With a little forward thinking and effort, you can turn preschool prep into an exciting challenge that eases the transition for you and your child. Here are 7 tips to help you prepare.
Check out preschools together
Actively engage your child as you’re choosing a preschool. Play on the playground together, explore the classes, and meet the staff and teachers who will be there. Ask questions and get your child involved to make sure your little one feels familiar with the classroom and everything inside of it. Make sure you are comfortable, too, by talking in depth with staff and teachers about routines, programs, and curriculum. It’s never too early to ask how they’ll handle any separation anxiety your little one may feel. Come loaded with questions you would like answered and make sure to take note of how your child interacts with everyone.
Talk about your first time going to school
Sharing stories about your own childhood is a great way to connect with your child. Stories also help children better understand the changes they experience in life. Share photos of your preschool days if you have them. Talk about your teachers and why you loved them. And discuss the memories and friends you made while you were there. Your child will feel more at ease understanding how you navigated your own childhood experience.
Practice the preschool routine
One of the best ways to begin your child’s preschool prep is to practice the routine you’re about to begin. Children need a consistent routine to feel secure and to begin building their own independence. Practice the new routine and review the schedule together daily to help them adjust and be prepared for what’s coming. In the weeks leading up to preschool, practice going to bed at your child’s designated school bedtime. Set the alarm with enough time to pack your child’s bag and lunch, eat breakfast, and brush teeth. It will help your child feel more comfortable in the transition when their new preschool routine actually begins.
Play school together
Engage in everything you can with your child to encourage growth in their vocabulary skills, problem solving, communication skills, and creativity. Take time to sing and tell story, do arts and crafts, and even explore bugs and flowers in your neighborhood. Learning these skills will help your child gain confidence in the activities at preschool before they ever set foot in the door.
Arrange play dates
Play dates are a great way to encourage social interaction for kids. When you’ve settled on a school, start asking for play dates with the parents of other toddlers who will be in preschool with your child. Not only do young children benefit from peer interaction, but it will also get your child comfortable with other kids who will be part of everyday life. It will greatly reduce the stress during those first days at preschool if you’ve done preschool prep that involves friends they already know.
Prepare for goodbyes
Think ahead to what that first day might be like for your child and start preparing to navigate emotions. Consider bringing a blanket or stuffed animal from home to reduce anxiety. Plan to stay with your child for the first 15 minutes of preschool to ensure there’s a good transition. Practice the routine ahead of time, too, so your child knows what is happening. If a child understands the routine, it will be easier to understand that you’re coming back and can greatly reduce the stress that’s involved.
Work on self-care skills
If your child isn’t yet doing big independent chores like washing hands, putting on shoes and socks, or going to the potty, make it a priority to prepare them before preschool begins. Model these behaviors and encourage them when they are successful. Make sure to establish a routine for these skills so they remember to complete the tasks throughout their days. You’ll want to make sure you’re explaining why they are necessary, too. Talking to your kids about their health will help them understand just how important these skills need to be as they get accustomed to a routine.
Enroll your child at PALS
If you’re looking for the best option for your child’s preschool, get in touch with PALS. PALS Praise & Leadership Schools provides many advantages to parents looking for an outstanding preschool education. Our innovative curriculum includes character-building activities that build self-esteem, allow for socialization, and develop your child’s intellect. Our focus is to set your child up for success both now and well into the future.
PALS offers two great locations, both which offer the same high standards of care for your preschooler. To learn more, or to schedule a tour of one of our two facilities, contact us at our North Peoria campus (2327 W Willow Knolls Rd, Peoria, IL 61614) at 309-228-2505. Or call our Downtown Peoria campus (700 NE Greenleaf, Peoria, IL 61603) at 309-740-4463.
