It’s Time For Preschool

Preparing Your Child to Begin Preschool

Starting preschool is a big milestone for both children and parents. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with learning, socialization, and growth. However, transitioning from home to a structured school environment can be challenging. Preparing your child ahead of time can help make the process smoother and more enjoyable. At Early Achievers Hawaii, we will assist parents in ensuring a smooth transition for their children. Here are some essential tips to help your little one get ready for preschool.

Talk About Preschool in a Positive Way

Children take cues from their parents, so expressing excitement and positivity about preschool will help ease their anxiety. Talk about all the fun activities they’ll do, the new friends they’ll meet, and the exciting things they’ll learn. Reading books about preschool, such as The Night Before Preschool by Natasha Wing or Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney, can also help them understand what to expect.

Establish a Routine Before School Starts

Preschool follows a structured daily schedule, so it’s helpful to start implementing a routine at home before school begins. Set consistent wake-up, meal, nap, and bedtime schedules to match the preschool’s timetable. This will help your child adjust to the new structure and make mornings smoother once school starts.

Encourage Independence

Preschoolers are expected to complete some simple tasks on their own, such as using the restroom, washing hands, eating independently, and putting on their shoes. Encourage your child to practice appropriate skills at home. Giving them small responsibilities, like tidying up toys or putting their backpack away, will boost their confidence and independence.

Practice Social Skills

Since preschool involves group activities and peer interactions, it’s beneficial to expose your child to social settings before they start school. Arrange playdates with other children, visit parks, or enroll them in group activities like Storytime at the library. Teach them basic social skills such as taking turns, sharing, saying “please” and “thank you,” and expressing their needs verbally.

Visit the Preschool Together

If possible, visit the preschool with your child before their first day. Walk through the classroom, meet the teachers, and let them explore the space. This familiarity can reduce fear and make them feel more comfortable when they officially start.

Help Them Cope with Separation Anxiety

Many children experience separation anxiety when starting preschool. To help with this, practice short separations by leaving your child with a trusted family member or babysitter for a few hours. When saying goodbye, keep it short and positive—avoid lingering or showing sadness, as this can make the transition harder.

Pack Comfort Items

Please pack a small comfort item, such as a favorite stuffed toy, blanket, or family photo, to help ease your child’s transition. Having something familiar from home can provide reassurance in a new environment.

Teach Basic Self-Help Skills

Before preschool starts, teach your child basic self-help skills such as putting on their backpack, opening lunch containers, and using tissues. The more independent they feel, the more confident they’ll be in their new environment.

Stay Calm and Supportive

Your child may have moments of nervousness or resistance about starting preschool. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel this way and validate their emotions. Remind them that they are safe and loved and that you will always come back for them at the end of the school day.

Celebrate the Milestone

Make the start of preschool an exciting event! Take a special photo, plan a fun outing, or do a small celebration to mark this milestone. Such actions can create a positive association with starting school and build enthusiasm.

Preparing your child for preschool takes time and patience, but with the right steps, you can make the transition smoother. By fostering independence, social skills, and a positive outlook, you’ll set your child up for a successful and enjoyable preschool experience. Remember, every child adjusts at their own pace—offer support, encouragement, and plenty of love along the way!