Preschool First Day Checklist

The first day of preschool is very near and you can make the transition smooth and simple for your child. While your child will be a bit hesitant about leaving you, experts offer a few guidelines which will help your child feel safe and sound in their new surroundings, and help you feel comfortable as well.

Start A Few Weeks Before School Starts

A couple of weeks before the start of school, search your child’s closet and let him or her pick out a couple outfits to wear. You could also make a trip to the local mall and shop for some new school clothes.

A new backpack or a lunchbox would be a great preschool accessory. Allow your child to select the color and the design. Additionally, you can also visit the back to school aisle and let your child select some pencils, crayons, pencil box and a few other supplies they will need in preschool.

Another expert recommendation is to talk over with your son or daughter what they can expect on the first day of preschool. Mark off the date school will begin on your family calendar so your child can count down the days.
Call your child’s preschool and ask if you can bring your child for a visit to become familiar with the new setting. Let your child know how long he or she will be at school, and plan a route from home to the school so your child will feel at ease the first day.

Mom, Plan A Nightime Routine

Some moms plan a nighttime routine in the weeks before preschool begins. Start with bath time, go on to reading time and then it’s time to get into bed. The experts recommend that you give your child a few weeks until the schedule feels natural.

Create a morning checklist of things to do; create a colorful poster with cut out pictures and put it in your child’s bedroom. On the poster put pictures of his or her routine such as: washing their face, brushing teeth, putting on pants and a shirt, eating a good breakfast, and other things in your morning routine.

Bringing Your Child To Preschool

On the very first day of preschool, use the route you planned and walk or drive your child to school. Walk your child into the classroom, greet the teacher and re-introduce them to your child. You can talk to the teacher about any special instructions or needs right there.

As you leave, be sure to give your child a kiss and a hug. Let them know how very proud you are and that you will be back when school is over. Don’t make it a long goodbye, just make it reassuring and comforting. When you leave, you may have a little cry like many other moms!

If you are feeling anxious about your child’s first day at preschool, just give the school a call to see how they are adjusting. The day will be over before you know it, mom, and you will be back at school hearing about your child’s exciting first day!