31 Jul Back to School Transition Tips for Preschoolers
The start of a new school year can mean going back to childcare programs or preschool after a long break, or attending a program for the first time. This often brings lots of changes, new routines, and meeting new people. You and your child may be approaching this major milestone with conflicting emotions: excitement for all the fun they will have and friends they will make; and also trepidation about the unknown or being apart. There’s a lot you can do in the weeks before to get ready for the big day.
- Talk with your child’s teacher – Many schools and daycare centers provide orientation or meet and greets with the teacher. Use this as an opportunity to ask questions and get yourself and your child acquainted with their knew teacher
- Review what to expect – Talk with your child about what to expect and help them with strategies to manage stress and cope with worries. Review positive parenting tips to help children manage their feelings and behavior.
- Establish routines – Start using your child’s “school bedtime.” Children often go to bed later as the summer months, and longer days, kick in. Help your child get into a preschool schedule by keeping to his school bedtime, beginning about 2 weeks before school starts.
- Catch up on well-visits and vaccinations – Make sure your child is caught up on well-visits with their healthcare provider and is up to date with recommended vaccines to ensure they are healthy and well protected.
- Remember, this is a phase – building new relationships is a skill, and with support, children can be resilient. Even if it’s hard to separate, children will gain a new trusted relationship with their new teacher and feel more secure.
For more tips and a timeline to prepare yourself and your preschooler for the back-to-school transition, check out Zero to Three’s Preschool Prep guide.
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