Preschool is a great way to introduce engagement and new rules into your child’s world, like sharing and taking turns. At Wollaston Child Care, we believe that interaction is the perfect preparation for school, yet we understand how hard the adjustment can be. Our staff and classroom teachers take the time to create a welcoming environment for each child specifically while ensuring their welfare and peace of mind. If you are getting ready for a transition into a child care program or preschool in Quincy, MA, here are a few ways you can help your child adjust.
Start Early
An easy way to begin the transition into preschool or childcare is to start early! At least a few months or weeks beforehand, take the time to talk about the upcoming change with your child. You can talk to your child about making new friends, learning to share, and the differences and similarities between “parent” and “teacher” roles. Other examples include:
- Introduce activities from preschool into your home, e.g., coloring, painting, reading time
- Visit parks and playgrounds to interact with other children
- Purchase a new outfit or a backpack to play pretend “preschool day” with them at home
Visit your Quincy, MA Preschool!
At Wollaston Child Care, we prefer that families bring their children into the classroom environment a few weeks before admission. This allows for more familiarity between the classroom teachers, the class routines, and some activities. This familiarity is a great way to relieve stress for you and your child because you will both be comfortable and familiar with the environment once preschool begins.
Saying Goodbye
Of course, the hardest part is saying goodbye! However, saying a “good” goodbye is probably more necessary than you think, especially for the first week or two of preschool. You might be surprised to know that your child can pick up on your emotions, and if you seem stressed or worried, they may perceive this change as a bad one. Instead, remember to say a “good” goodbye every day on the first day! Here are some steps you can take to ensure your child has a good first day:
- Greet the classroom teacher warmly and reintroduce them to your child. Let the teacher form a relationship with your child; this endorsement will show that your child can feel safe and happy when in the teacher’s care.
- If your child is acting clingy or too shy to participate in the class, don’t get worried! Say an obvious goodbye to your child, but leave promptly.
- Don’t sneak out without saying goodbye! While many parents think this is the easiest way to leave, many kids tend to feel abandoned.
- Make a unique and fun goodbye that your child can look forward to, e.g., a special handshake, making funny faces, or a unique saying.
Wollaston Child Care
At Wollaston Child Care, we understand the importance of a stress-free environment. Our goal is to provide a safe and healthy space to respect and nurture your child’s natural inclination to be curious. We value opportunities where children can build on experiences linked to past accomplishments and satisfaction, and we look forward to providing excellent care for your child!
