Help Your Preschooler Transition to the Classroom
The dog days of summer are here and with the beginning of August, many parents and educators in Onslow County are preparing for a return to the classroom and child care in the fall — and this new reality comes with its own set of worries and challenges.
At One Place, we’re excited about the opportunity for children to reconnect with their peers in person again and we’re sharing some helpful tips and techniques to encourage a seamless transition to the classroom or child care center for your child.
Start having conversations about the transition early.
Don’t wait until the last minute to start talking about preschool. Instead, start having a conversation in advance of the transition, always emphasizing the positive nature of the experience. If your child has any lurking fears or anxieties about going to preschool, this also provides a perfect opportunity to bring up those feelings and talk through them.
Follow a regular routine.
During the summer, your daily routine might have been a little bit loose and relaxed. But to help your child adjust back to child care, get into a regular routine at least two weeks before school starts. This might mean waking up at your normal time, getting dressed, and eating breakfast.
Improve social-emotional development through reading.
One of the most important things you can do for your child to aid in a seamless transition is to have conversations and validate their emotions. We recommend choosing a few books that allow your child to identify their emotions and start building their emotional intelligence and vocabulary. Books specifically related to the topic of the transition to school include Preschool Here I Come and The Night Before Preschool. For children preparing to enter Kindergarten similar books are available such as Kindergarten Here I Come, The Night Before Kindergarten, and On The First Day of Kindergarten.
If your child is under the age of 5, check out Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library — this program mails new, high-quality, and age-appropriate books directly to your home. We also collaborate with Onslow County Parks and Rec to provide Story Walks at the Park — this is a great opportunity to connect early literacy with physical activity in a natural learning environment.
Learn more here.
Include meaningful moments.
To help your child feel less alone at school, incorporate a few meaningful items or routines:
- Bring a familiar object, such as a stuffed animal, blanket, or small toy that your child loves. This can provide reassurance and soothe your child.
- Hug goodbye and provide closure to the transition each day, letting your child know they are loved and they can start their day in a positive, excited way.
If your child has responded well to connecting with teachers or peers virtually, try setting up some in-person playdates to meet up with local families and help your child feel more confident about transitioning to a new environment.
Helpful resources for your family.
Do you have a child who will be 3 or 4 by August 31?
It’s time to apply! At One Place, we’re committed to helping your family and your children thrive. If you’re searching for a high-quality child care provider that fits your family’s needs, we’re here to help. Text “Child Care” to (910) 333-0608 and our team will respond and help you start the process.
Learn more here.
Triple P Parenting Class
The Triple P Positive Parenting Program is a flexible, practical way for you to develop the skills, strategies, and confidence to handle any situation. From occasional tantrums to frequent challenges, Triple P will help guide you through a number of exercises to connect with your child and navigate growing pains.
Triple P offers an online class option—so you can get the tools you need from the comfort of your home and on a schedule that works for you!
Learn more here.