The Nation's Leader in Early Childhood Education Shares Important Tactics for a Successful School Year for Parents and Children
The Learning Experience® Makes Available its 22 Point System for Easing Transition to School at Its Centers
In an effort to ease the back to school transition, The Learning Experience®, the nation's premier and fastest growing early child development centers, today released its 22 point checklist to ensure a successful school experience for children and parents alike.
With the school year underway it can be a daunting time for even the most experienced child. “Entering a new class, with different teachers and expectations, can provide anxious moments for children and their parents. This is even more prevalent with children entering preschool as many of these experiences are being introduced for the first time," said Meghan Kelly, Regional Director of Training with The Learning Experience®. "In many instances, it's a fairly new adventure being separated from mom and dad and all sides may need a little help in the adjustment phase. Our first-hand knowledge and insight into this transition has enabled us to provide easy recommendations that result in great success."
Items to include in your child’s backpack:
1) A full change of clothes (maybe two).
2) Any medical information the school may need including pediatrician’s phone number and any medical issues.
3) A plastic, waterproof folder for teachers to use when sending home notes and important information.
4) A favorite blanket to help your little one adjust to the transition.
5) Pack a picture of yourself with your child…especially if it’ll be their first time away.
These items should stay at home:
6) Toys.
7) Candy, gum, soda or any food items.
Tips to prepare your child for preschool:
8) Pep Talk - Start getting him/her excited about their Pre-school adventure each day. Fill them in on what they can expect including teachers, new friends, fun games, etc.
9) Get a Sneak Peak - if not enrolled yet bring him/her to the school to look around and meet the teachers.
10) Practice Makes Perfect - Make practice runs to the center as early as 2 weeks prior to the first day, if possible, to get him/her accustomed to the new schedule and familiar with center
11) Get An Early Start On Friendship - Make a play date with a fellow classmate. Having a friend will make that first day a lot easier!
12) Read All About It - Go to your local bookstore or library, find a book about going to school and read it to your child. Here’s a good one: “I Am Too Absolutely Small for School” by Lauren Child.
How to successfully handle the transition with your child:
13) If possible, make plans to spend part of the first morning with your child. Tears are normal and common for both child and sometimes even you, the parent. For some children, the transition is made easier if it’s gradual. Each child is different, though. Talk with your teachers about any separation issues.
14) Don’t stay too long. Often the child will stop crying shortly after the parent leaves. Let the school be your guide on this – experienced schools have helped many children and parents through separation anxiety.
15) During quiet times, be sure to talk to your child about their teachers and new friends.
16) If your child has concerns about another child be sure to let the center know as soon as possible.
17) Talk to the other parents and set up play-dates with classmates.
18) Keep the lines of communication open by asking questions about their day.
19) Actively participate in their activities and the new things they are experiencing.
20) Read with them daily.
21) If they are engaged in music, ask them to share a song, if they love art have them draw a picture.
22) Convey positive reinforcement. "What makes your teacher so special?" "What are a few of your favorite things at school?" "What things did your friends do today?"
Deidre Krause
STIR-Communications
305.710.7500
deidre@STIR-Communications.com
The Learning Experience® offers quality care and an ideal learning environment for children six weeks to five years of age at more than 100 child development centers throughout the U.S. To learn more or to find a center near you, visit www.thelearningexperience.com.
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