Easing the Transitioning to a New Preschool
When to move your child:
No preschool is perfect, but when is necessary to switch schools? Change is in order if there are:
- Health and safety issues such as unsanitary conditions or inadequate childproofing
- High student-to-teacher ratios or frequent staff turnovers
- Too many “timeouts” or emphasis on punishment rather than redirection
- No curriculum, only free play
- No time in curriculum for gross motor play (outdoor/indoor play areas)
- Follow your instincts if something doesn’t seem right – parents know best
How to help your child in the transition to a new school:
- Visit before your child’s first day pointing out books, toys or play areas that he/she can look forward to
- Talk about the change in a calm, matter-of-fact way. Follow your child’s lead. Some children need to talk a lot before the first day, others may not
- Have you child meet teachers and kids from class in advance so he/she will recognize familiar faces
- Describe the daily schedule ahead of time so there are no surprises
- Read a book about the first day of school, like First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
- Together, plan a special way to say goodbye at drop off the first day
- Let your child bring a special blanket, toy or stuffed animal to keep in his/her cubby to have as a security if needed