Tips to Help your Child Transition Smoothly and Successfully to Preschool

by Denise Rao Monaghan, Director, Hopkinton Christian Preschool

Starting preschool can be exciting and stressful for both parents and children. Having worked with families for many years, and being a mother myself, I understand that you and your child may be experiencing a variety of emotions about this big step! Transitions, even good ones, can raise questions such as: Will my daughter miss me? Will she be anxious? How will the teachers know my son’s needs? Will my child make friends? Will my child be safe? Will the teachers nurture him and make her feel loved? Rest assured all of these questions and concerns are appropriate and normal. Separating from parents to attend school is a major developmental milestone, foundational to your child’s healthy independence and autonomy.

I would like to share a few suggestions, which have been successful for many children starting Hopkinton Christian Preschool, to support your transition:

1.     First and foremost, try not to compare your child’s transition experience to their peers. Each child has his and her own way of coping.

2.     Read your child’s cues. Some children may talk a lot about going to school, while others become anxious and need a simple, brief conversation about preschool.  

3.     Give your child some information on what to expect. Discuss the routine and activities at school such as playing with friends, reading books with teachers, playing on the playground, eating snack, singing and dancing, building with blocks, painting, and playing at the water table. Many children enjoy listening to stories about preschool. There are several good children’s fiction books regarding preschool that I can recommend:  Franklin Goes to School by Paulette Bourgeois; Starting School by Anne Civardi & Stephen Cartwright; and Starting School by Janet Ahlberg.

4.     Remind your child that their basic needs will be met at school. Some children wonder: Is there a bathroom at school? What if I’m hungry or thirsty? What if I get a boo-boo? A good way to help your child cope with any concerns is to engage in a little role play. Ask questions such as, “What do you think you could do at school if you need to go to the bathroom (are hungry, do not feel well, miss Mom, etc.)”. By asking questions, you can help your child begin to recognize that the preschool teachers will be responsive to his/her concerns and needs. And, just as importantly, it empowers your child to articulate his/her needs.

5.     Arrange play dates for your child so they can learn to play cooperatively with their peers.

6.     Encourage your child to draw the teachers a picture for the first day or school.

7.     Continue with a bed time routine which allows your child to get sufficient sleep. Tired children typically become stressed more easily. Also make sure your child has a meal and fluids before school.

8.     Develop a brief goodbye ritual with your child. A special kiss, hand gesture, word, phrase, or object may ease the transition. Try not to show your child your ambivalence or sadness. Your confidence will put your child at ease.

At Hopkinton Christian Preschool, we assure you that your child will be safe, loved, and have lots of fun. Hopkinton Christian Preschool is a premier preschool providing a complete developmentally-appropriate program for children ages three to five years. Conveniently located in MetroWest, Hopkinton Christian Preschool nurtures a child’s natural love for learning and exploring through a curriculum that promotes literacy, language skills, math and science concepts, art, music, and movement, and an awareness of God’s love for self and others.

For more information about Hopkinton Christian Preschool, please contact Denise Monaghan at (508) 435-5953 or visit www.fcch.org/hopkinton-christian-preschool.

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About Denise Monaghan

Denise has been working with children and families for over 30 years. She holds a Masters degree in Child Study from Tufts University and a Bachelors degree from the College of Holy Cross. Prior to joining Hopkinton Christian Preschool, Denise coached teachers participating in an Early Reading First research grant. In 2012, she was awarded a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Fellowship from the University of Massachusetts. Denise is also an advocate for children with learning challenges and a Child Development Trainer.