Introducing Your Toddler to Preschool
Introducing your toddler to preschool is an exciting time not only for your little one but for you the parents as well. It marks a significant milestone in their young lives. Sending your little one to preschool can also feel a bit stressful, with thoughts of how will they transition, will they be Ok, and did I choose the right preschool? All these feelings and emotions are normal. Here are few key steps to take to make sure both of your transitions into preschool go smoothly and joyfully.
Preparation:
Begin preparing your toddler for preschool well in advance. Talk with enthusiasm about school and remind them of what a big boy or girl they are. If you are excited about preschool, they will be too; if they sense you are worried or anxious, they can pick up on that, and they may start to feel worried. You can read books about school, talk about making new friends, and all the fun they will have at preschool.
Visit the Preschool:
I think it’s important when you tour the preschool to bring your child along. How do they act when they are there? Show them the playground, their classroom, and teachers, and let them play on the playground or sit for circle time if invited.
Establish Good Routines:
Create a consistent routine leading up to the first day of preschool. It is important to set consistent early bedtimes. Practice waking up, getting dressed, and having breakfast at the same time each day. This routine will help your toddler feel more secure and prepared for the transition.
School Shopping:
Celebrate this milestone by going school shopping with your little one. Let them pick out their lunch box, water bottles, and backpacks. Giving them ownership of their own journey
of preparing for preschool.
Encourage Independence:
Foster your toddler’s independence by encouraging them to do things on their own, such as putting on their shoes or packing their backpack. Building confidence in their abilities will make them feel more comfortable navigating the preschool environment.
Stay Positive & Excited:
Maintain a positive attitude about preschool and express enthusiasm about all the fun activities your child will get to experience. I can’t stress this enough! Your kids will pick up on what you are giving to them emotionally. If you remain excited, with lots of smiles, they will feel safe going into their classroom. If you are worried and concerned, their transition may be harder and longer.
Listen and Validate Their Feelings:
Acknowledge and validate your toddler’s feelings about starting preschool. Let them know that it’s okay to feel nervous or scared, and reassure them that you will always be there to support them.
Social Practice:
I have always suggested practicing the art of socialization and drop off and pick-ups. Children need to learn that it is okay for them to be dropped off or left with someone else as a temporary caretaker. For example, do you belong to a gym? This is good practice for your little one to be dropped off at the childcare while you work out. Maybe you go to church, and they go to Sunday school. Another way is to hire a babysitter for date nights. This practice of returning to them is key for their own knowing that it is okay to say goodbye to mommy or daddy for a little bit because they will come back to get me. This is also a great way to introduce them to socializing with other children.
First Day of Preschool:
If your toddler is feeling anxious, maybe send your toddler to preschool with one of their favorite stuffed animals or a blanket or even a family picture. Remind them that you love them and remind them that you will be back to get them. Make sure to stay connected with the preschool teachers and staff. Ask questions, share any concerns you may have, and collaborate on strategies to help your toddler adjust. Building a strong partnership with the preschool community will benefit both you and your child.
Be Patient:
Preschool transitions can often take time. Sometimes, a toddler jumps right in and loves it; you may even feel sad because they don’t even say goodbye to you. Other toddlers struggle and have a lot of tears for some time. All the reactions are normal, it takes time to adjust and lots of patience. It’s a process to adjust to the new adults in their life, new classroom environment and all their new friends. Before you know it, your little one will be bouncing out of the classroom at the end of the day, all smiles and feeling proud to show you their latest artwork, or they may not want to leave school, and you’ll have to drag them out. Every child is different, and the transition into preschool will look different for everyone. Stay positive and excited and by your example of love they will adjust successfully and even begin to thrive in preschool!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
AmberJayne is an early childhood education expert, creator of The Loving Start Learning Centers and The Loving Start Way Community, author of the ABCs of Preschool, and host of the ABC of Preschool Podcast. With over two decades of experience under her belt, Amber is not just an expert – she’s a visionary. Dedicated to empowering mothers, inspiring teachers, nurturing children, and elevating childcare centers, Amber leads with love at the center of all she does. Are you curious to learn more about Amber, or are you eager to embark on your own journey in early childhood education? Visit www.thelovingstartway.
Photo provided by Amber Jayne
