Preparing Your Toddler For Preschool

The first day of preschool can be intimidating and nerve racking for both children and their parents. Will my child like their new teacher? Will he be well cared for? Will he make new friends? The answer to all of these questions is a resounding, “YES!” While our rational brain is telling us that all will be well, there is still a natural part of a parent that worries about their child’s preparedness. Lucky for us, there are a number of ways to prepare a child for this big transition. The good folks over at Zero to Three, a resource for early childhood education, tell us how we can prepare a toddler for this new adventure. You might consider taking these few steps to help calm those first day jitters.

Using pretend play to explore the idea of preschool

• Children LOVE to play pretend! Dramatic play is a great way for a child to step into the shoes of another person and experience new thoughts and feelings. You might consider acting out  a day in his future preschool classroom. Try role playing the major events in the schedule: snack time, nap time, and the morning circle. Give your child an opportunity to practice putting on their coat for outside play.  

Read books about preschool

• Life transitions and overwhelming emotions are common topics in children’s literature. You can find several books that are specific to a child’s transition from home to preschool. Give these books a read! Talk about the characters and their feelings.  

Make a game out of practicing self-help skills

• Children love games! Make self-help skills a race. Can your child zip up his jacket and put on his shoes before the buzzer sounds? Can he click into his carseat faster than you can buckle up? 

 Play at your new preschool 

• Take a trip to your child’s new preschool. You might consider taking a tour of the building so that your child is familiar with each classroom, particularly their own. 

During the 2 weeks before preschool starts, try: 

• Going to the store together and picking out a backpack. 
•  Label all of their items including their backpack, jacket, shoes, blanket, teddy bear, etc. 
• Make sure your child’s paperwork is filled out (especially if they need a daily medication)
• Implement a “school bedtime.” Make sure they get lots of sleep beginning about 2 weeks before school starts 

The night before preschool: 

• Answer any last minute questions your child may have
• Let your child choose their clothes for the first day 
• Make sure that your child goes to bed on time 

The first day: 

• Wake up early so you are not in a rush 
• Make breakfast and sit down and eat together. Have a conversation about what is to come
• Review the day’s routine and make sure to talk about the way that their child will get to school and get home 
• Pack your child’s backpack together 
• Let your child choose a special stuffed animal to bring for nap time

Saying Good-bye:

• Plan to stay for a little while. Consider 15 to 30 minutes to ease the transition. Explorer the classroom together
•  Keep your tone positive and upbeat! Don’t linger too long. It’s time to rip off the Band-Aid! 
• Create a special goodbye routine. Is there a song you could sing or a special high-five you could give? 
• Resist the rescue. Don’t go back inside the classroom when you hear your child is upset or crying. This will only make it harder for you and your child to separate.