As a parent, sending your child to your local preschool can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding times. Some send their child as it’s time they start learning and interacting with others, while other parents are forced to send their child as they simply don’t have the time to balance work with raising their child. Either way, not preparing your child to start their preschool program can severely set them back behind other children. Unprepared children will suffer from separation anxiety, which can cause them to have outbursts of crying and anger. They may distance themselves from other children, and won’t integrate into the rest of the classroom. Parents can avoid their child not getting the most out of preschool by preparing them for preschool before even sending them. There are key steps that can and will lead to your child being prepared for their preschool program and everything else that comes along with it.
Steps For Getting Them Ready
- Avoid Preparing Too Much
- Visit The Preschool
- Develop A Routine
- Address Any Concerns
Avoid Preparing Too Much
One of the most important steps in preparing your child for preschool is preparing them too much. While it is well-intentioned, preparing your child months in advance can make this out to be a huge event. This can become overwhelming for the child, and can completely ruin their experience from day one. Instead, wean your child onto the idea of going to their local preschool about three to four weeks in advance of starting. This gives you ample time to get them ready for school without overbearing them with this event.
Visit The Preschool
Visiting your local preschool with your child before school starts can be very beneficial. This gives them the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their teacher and classroom. More importantly, it allows them to visualize themselves in the classroom. This gives parents the opportunity to inform their child about what they’ll be doing on a daily basis. From group story time to recess on the playground, you and the staff at the school can make the transition much easier for your child.
Develop A Routine
Creating a set daily routine for your child is an important step in sending your child to a local preschool. Routines and schedules can create structure in their lives, which is required as most preschool programs are built around a standard schedule. Children with routines are given the opportunity to develop basic concepts of time as well as prepare them for the day ahead. Morning and bedtime routines are also a necessity when it comes to preschool. Roughly two weeks before preschool starts, you should have your child abide by a specific bedtime. They’re accustomed to staying up late as they have no responsibilities, but instilling a bedtime gets not only their internal clock prepared to wake up early. They’ll have the energy necessary to go the whole day, instead of becoming exhausted midway through the school day.
Address Any Concerns
One to two days before preschool starts, it’s important that parents address any issues or concerns the child may have. It’s perfectly natural for your child to be anxious and nervous, as this is an entirely new experience for them. It’s the first time they’ll be separated from their parents, Which can make the transition difficult. This is an exciting time for them, so it’s vital that parents give their children the opportunity to voice their concerns. You as parents can quell any fears and get them excited for all the amazing things they’ll get to do in preschool. Support your child throughout the experience and they’ll be well on their way to becoming an independent preschooler.
It can be hard letting your child and hearing them cry as you walk away from the classroom on the first day, but this is the most important next step in their lives. Quality preschool programs will develop your child emotionally, socially, and academically. Your child will learn how to take care of themselves and how to adapt in certain situations. They’ll even make new friends and socialize with them. If you’re looking for the best local preschool that will help develop your child in a nurturing environment, then you need to send your child to Get Ready Set Grow. They have a team of caring teachers and staff that want nothing more than to see your child grow and learn. Call us at 561-865-2223 to learn more about registering your child today!
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