Let’s Get Ready for Your Child’s First Day of Preschool

So, it’s almost your child’s first day of preschool. What an exciting milestone! And let’s be honest, a bit nerve-racking for both you and your little one. This may be the first time your child has spent a significant amount of time away from you, or away from home.

The good news is that, before you know it, your child will be excited to get to school, and they’ll come home filled with tales of their new friends, things learned, and all the fun they’ve had.

To help ease you into this transition, here are a few tips to get ready for your child’s first day of preschool. If you’re joining us at one of our Books and Rattles preschools, we are so excited to have you with us!

Take a trip to the school before you start.

That way, the classroom will not be totally new on day one. It will give your child an opportunity to meet their teacher, future friends, and to visualize the kind of fun that will take place when they start. Learn a few of the names of your child’s classmates, so you can talk about playing with them as you are getting ready for the first day.   

Talk about going to school, and what to expect.

The preschool routine will likely be different than your child’s day-to-day life. Talk through what school will be like. For example:

At school, you will sing a good morning song and then play toys with your friends. When it is time to eat lunch, you will line up to wash your hands. Your teacher may need a helper to give lunch to all the kids. Do you think you would be a good helper? After naptime, Mommy will come to pick you up.

Better yet, play pretend preschool with your child’s stuffed animals and toys. Practice waiting for lunch to be served, waiting in line, and “playing” with your child’s friends.

Get ready the night before.

The only thing you should have to do the morning of your first day is be emotionally ready for yourself and emotionally available for your child. Be sure that your child’s things are packed and that all paperwork is filled out. Your teacher may have a list of things for you to bring, like a change of clothes, a blanket, snacks, and a backpack. Label all items. 

You and your child can choose and lay out a first-day outfit together. You can even plan out what you will be having for breakfast the next morning. The more you plan the night before, the more you can focus on how your child is feeling on the big day. He or she will likely be very excited.

Pro tip: Have your child bring a comfort object to help with any anxiety caused by being away from home.

Come to school a bit early.

Plan to arrive at your child’s school about 15 minutes early. That will allow your child time to settle in without you worrying about being late for work. Expect to play close with your child for a few minutes, and slowly fade away as your child gets caught up in playing with their teacher and classmates.

You do not want to stay too long. Whether your child looks settled in or not, after 20 minutes it’s time to let your child’s day start.

Be sure to say goodbye.

It can be pretty frightening for a child to suddenly realize that their parent has disappeared. So do not sneak away! Say a short and sweet goodbye, let your child know you will be back, and then head out.

Your child will likely cry. And that’s okay. The teacher and teacher assistants are pros at handling first day jitters and tears. Give it a few days, or even a few weeks, and your child will soon be going to preschool like a champ.