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Preparing your Child

for School

School is a new and exciting experience for your child. It is also an opportunity to embark on a new beginning. Your child will be learning new things, meeting new friends and teachers, and taking the first steps towards independence. It is important that you take the time to prepare your child for his/her transition from home to school by displaying a positive attitude about learning new things. Also, make sure your child has a good night’s sleep in order to get ready for his/her new day!

Child Assessments

Parents are informed about any special plans made for their children based on screening; such plans are documented in the child’s file.  A system is in place to support collaboration with specialist working with identified children. Screening tools used are Ages and Stages, and Early Screening Inventory Preschool (ESP-I).

 

Family Communications

Orientation procedures will be conducted during the first week of school and parents will be provided with written information about center’s hours of operation, schedule, fees, calendar, health requirements, and discipline policy.  The orientation procedures will also include asking the family for information about the child’s development, strengths, likes and dislikes.

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Community Outreach

The Administrator and/or staff seek opportunities to build good relations within the immediate neighborhood or local community (e.g., inviting neighbors to open houses, notifying them of special events, Annual Picnics, and Family

Family Support and Involvement

Family members are invited to visit in the classroom at any time.  Extended family members (grandparents, aunts, uncles) are also welcome to visit in the classroom.  Families are encouraged to participate in meetings, special events, parties, and field trips.

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Starting School/Adjustment Period

With all new things, comes the period of adjustment, and sometimes it takes longer from some to adjust than others. We understand the anxiety some children may experience with starting a new school, which is why we welcome the parents to assist the child with this transition. We recommend the parents come a little early to help their child get settled before he or she begins their exciting day. It is also welcomed for the child to bring an item from home to comfort him/her during this transition time. Once the child is comforted, the item from home will be placed in his/her cubby (where it will be in constant view of the child) to protect it. For various reasons some children will have difficulty adjusting to the facility’s environment depending on age e.t.c. When this does occur we the staff will try various things to comfort and reassure the child. If the adjustment period takes longer than two weeks we ask that the parent or a family member come in to support the child for a time.  In the event of a special problem or difficulty with the child, the facility director will discuss the situation with parent or guardian and if the problem cannot be resolved the center will allow the parent three weeks to make other arrangements.

Items to bring from home
 
Preschool:

Each preschooler should have two changes of clothes, including a sweater or jacket, at school in case an accident occurs during school hours. All items sent to school should be labeled with your child’s name. Send all complete changes of clothing in a plastic Ziploc bag. Please label the bag using a permanent marker. In the event that your child must use one of his/her changes of clothes, please bring a new set to school the following day.

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Infants & Toddlers:

Each infant/toddler should have the following items at school:

  • diapers                                                                                       

  • wipes

  • powder or diaper cream (optional)

  • Two complete changes of clothes (infants and toddlers do have accidents!)

  • bottles or sippy-cups

  • blanket or other transitional object (items from home help soothe an upset child)

  • pacifiers (if child is using one)

  • gum cleaner/ tooth brushers

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