Transitioning your child to Preschool

Transitioning your child to preschool can be an intimidating time in both your and your child's life. Here at Chesterbrook Academy in Audubon, we understand your concerns, and strive to make your child's adjustment period as easy and smooth as possible for everyone!

Here are a few tips to help the transition:

Bring your child to the school tour

We love meeting your little one(s)! Bringing him/her to the tour of the school to see their new class, teachers, and classmates is a great way to introduce your child to the wonderful world of preschool! They will get a feel of the environment and meet their teachers. The teachers will introduce themselves, invite him/her to participate in the activity that is going on, and give you a chance to see the classroom in the midst of its daily routine!

Talk to your child about the school

Talking to your child about the school, classroom, classmates, teachers, and activities going on throughout the day will help your child become familiar with preschool terminology (class, friends, circle time, art, nap, playground, teachers' names, music class, etc), and help them know what to expect when they arrive on the first day of school. Reminding them that their teachers are there to comfort, teach, and care for them will also help you both during the first few drop offs!

Try not to be upset if your child cries at drop off

This is perfectly normal, and we understand your initial concerns especially if your child is crying or upset when you leave. The teachers are experienced and trained to handle any drop off - easy or difficult. We have secret and interesting tricks up our sleeves! Please know that the teachers always make sure a new child gets extra TLC and attention as they ease into the classroom environment and routine. You are always welcome to call throughout the day and check on how your child's day is going.

Parent-Teacher communication

We have an open door policy! We encourage parents to speak to their children's teachers. Tell the teachers what your child's weaknesses and strengths are. If your child is very shy in new social situations, but loves arts and crafts, his/her teachers will make sure to engage them in creative and artistic activities in a way that will help them become more comfortable in class! If you are in the process of potty training, feel free to devise a potty success plan with your child's teachers (hint: M&Ms are always a popular potty reward!). If you have any concerns about your child's development, the teachers are always open to give advice or professional assistance.

We hope that these tips will help you and your child as you transition into our preschool family! If you have any further questions, we are only a phone call/email away!