Your Child’s First Day in Preschool

A child’s first day at child care or preschool can be challenging-for both child and parents. Here are some tips for easing those first-day blues from parents who’ve lived through the experience.

Consider visiting the program with your child before they start.

• Some schools offer opportunities for individual or group visits for new families, such as open houses or meet the teacher events.
• Before you visit, help your child list things they want to find out about the program. For example, your child might want to know the teachers’ names, where the restroom is, and whether the class takes naps. Take the list along on your visit.
• On your visit, arrange to meet staff members and children so your child will know a few people by name.
• Ask what the staff does to help families prepare for a child’s first days. Do teachers make home visits? Are family members welcome to stay in the classroom with the child during the first week or two? Can children bring comfort items, such as teddy bears or family photographs, to keep close at hand?
• After the visit, talk with your child about what you found out. For example, did he find the restroom? Did he learn the teachers’ names?

Plan ahead for a smooth first day.

• Several days before your child begins the new program, start a countdown with them by marking the days off on a calendar. Invite your child to help you collect school supplies. Let them decide what to wear and what to take for lunch.
• Make sure your child knows how they will get to and from the program-for example, in the car with you or another relative, in a car pool, or on a yellow bus.

Create healthy habits for saying goodbye.

• Begin with simple departure rituals that are meaningful in your family. Your child may want you to hug them and remind them that they will be home again at the end of the day. Your child might want some other interaction with you-sharing a joke or deciding together which activity they will try first, for example.
• Your child may feel distressed when you leave. Let them know that you understand. Your child might miss their family while at school, but those feelings will pass. Your child will feel better after a time.
• If you bring your child into the classroom, never leave without letting them know you are going, even if you know your child will be upset when you go. First tell you child goodbye, then tell staff members that you must leave. Staff members can comfort your child and get them interested in an activity.