Inspired Learning Center

Early Care & Education for Children Birth - 12 Years Old

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4 Ways To Help Your Child Adjust To Preschool

April 24, 2018

Placing your child in a preschool center is exciting, but nonetheless nerve-racking as well. Even if you’ve met the teacher and it was your preferred child care, you may be worried about how your child will get along with other children, how well he or she will listen to the teacher, or how much he or she may miss you. By following the four tips in today’s blog, you can ensure that your child — and you — can have a good experience with a preschool in Pembroke Pines.

Let your child know what’s happening.

Communication, as usual, is key. Children shouldn’t be excluded from conversations about their daycare. You can explain what their day will be like now and why they’re going to preschool. This is an exciting time, and you can tell your child that. Nicely explain to your child that he or she will make new friends and learn a lot. You can also tell them that this is the beginning of becoming a “big kid,” which is sure to be exciting.

Take your child to see the school and meet the teacher.

Your child will be more calm on the first day of school, and subsequent days, if he or she is familiar with the local preschool and his or her teacher. This will ease anxiety and stress, therefore making your morning routine easier. Most child care services recognize this and provide a meet-and-greet as a result. At Lil’ Rascals Academy, you can schedule a tour at any of our four locations.

Prepare yourself emotionally.

Your child isn’t the only person who has to adjust to this change. If you’re feeling anxious or sad about leaving your lil’ one at a child care program for the first time, then you’re child will pick up on that and may cry or react negatively. Be calm and confident — even if it means you have to cry for a little bit about your baby growing up after you leave! This is an exciting time for you as a parent and for your child. Recognizing this can help ease the transition.

Implement a consistent routine.

Children thrive off of routine, especially as they’re starting something new like preschool daycare. If you are strict about following a consistent routine, then your child will benefit. Make sure to arrive on time or early when your child first begins attending daycare, as this will alleviate stress at the beginning and allow you to spend more time there if you need to. However, don’t spend more time than absolutely necessary. Once your child is adjusting well, leave the preschool promptly. If your child isn’t ready for you to leave though, avoid sneaking out when he or she isn’t paying attention. This can cause more anxiety and mistrust later.

As you go through the process of enrolling your child in a preschool daycare, you’ll find what does and doesn’t work for you. For example, letting your child take his or her favorite blanket or doll to daycare for a while can help alleviate stress or anxiety. When you’re looking for a preschool in Pembroke Pines, Lil’ Rascals Academy will help your child adjust well to being away from you during the day. Get to know us when you schedule a visit!