Moving from daycare to preschool or Voluntary Prekindergarten (V.P.K.) can be a big step. If your child has already been going to daycare they may already be used to a semi-structured day, but VPK will bring new challenges.
Here are three tips for helping your child adjust to preschool in Orlando.
Talk About It
Most preschoolers do well when they know what to expect. Sharing the daily schedule with your child can go a long way in helping them adjust. Your child’s preschool teacher should be able to share this with you prior to the first day of preschool.
Another way to get them ready for preschool is by reading some children’s books with them about it. You could try I Am Too Absolutely Small for School or Preschool Day Hooray, to name a couple.
Make a Routine… and Follow It the Best You Can
As best as you can, try to establish a new bedtime (if needed) and morning routine well in advance of starting preschool. Transition periods can wreak havoc on even the best-made plans.
Even if your routine is rock solid, be sure to leave yourself some extra time, especially in the beginning, to deal with surprise hiccups or a drop-off struggle.
Connect With the Teacher
Whether your child is transitioning from a toddler classroom, a home daycare, grandparent care, or simply starting preschool for the first time, the best advice for helping your child adjust to preschool is to connect with the teacher.
Communicate with the teacher so you can be a partner in your child’s education and be a resource for helping your child adjust even while you’re away.
The best way to help your child to adjust to preschool is to simply to help them enjoy the day - and year! It’s a big milestone for kids but it’s also an amazing time to watch them grow!
About Kids & Company
Kids & Company offers so much more than the typical Orlando daycare. Free hot meals, after school care until 7:00 pm, and we even have the option for Saturday and night care at our Curry Ford location. If you have any questions about our programs, including infant care, childcare, VPK, or after school programs give us a call at (407) 227-1015.