How to Prepare Your Child for Their First Day at a New Preschool

As your child's first day at their new charter preschool approaches, you likely have a mix of emotions. This major milestone is a big step for both you and your little one. While charter preschools foster warm, nurturing environments for children to learn and grow, entering an unfamiliar place with new faces can seem daunting for a young child. With some planning and preparation, you can effectively prepare your child to happily dive into their first day at their new charter preschool.

Having Good Conversations

One of the best things you can do is talk to your child about what to expect. Focus on all the fun things charter preschools offer, like story time, arts and crafts, playground time, and making new friends. Frame it as an adventure they’ll get to have without neglecting the realistic aspects of their days as well.

You can even drive by the charter preschool, so they can see the building and playground. Nothing eases anxiety like familiarity. Tell them about some of the routines to expect, like circle time, snack time, and cleanup time. The more informed kids feel, the more confident and secure they’ll feel separating from you.

Packing With Care

Let your child pick out their favorite outfit to wear and have them help pack their bag the night before. This gives them ownership, pride, and another means of marking this as their special adventure. Include an extra set of clothes, a family photo, or another comforting item. At a charter preschool, labels with their name will go on all their things so nothing gets lost. You can even let them decorate the tags for their cubby and coat hook, making these unique to them.

Establishing Goodbye Routines

When separation anxiety strikes, having a consistent goodbye routine gives comfort. Keep things quick, calm, and cheerful. Give a hug and kiss along with reassuring words like, “I can’t wait to hear all about your day! Have fun with your new friends!” Leave them with a teacher right away without lingering too long. Usually, children are quick to get distracted by all the exciting charter preschool activities after they go.

The first day of charter preschool marks an exciting shift for you and your child. With your thoughtful preparation, you’ll both be ready to take this important step in their growth. According to UNICEF, only about 40% of children attend early childhood education programs worldwide. If you're ready to enroll your child in a preschool, tour The Barnett Public School to find out why it's right for you!