Preschool Prep – Top 10 Tips for Parents

Every parent wants what’s best for their children for preschool and beyond, but how do you know where to start? Preparing them for preschool can seem overwhelming, but really only involves a few steps to ensure they are ready for the transition and will help them to thrive in their new environment.

We broke it down for you here in 10 easy tips!

1. Visit the Preschool Together.
   • Tip: Schedule a visit to the preschool with your child. This helps familiarize them with the new environment and meet their teachers and classmates.
   • Benefit: Reduces anxiety and makes the first day easier and comfortable for your child.
2. Communicate with Teachers.
   • Tip: Provide teachers with important information about your child’s needs, routines, allergies, and any special instructions. Create a brief, written document if necessary.
   • Benefit: Ensures teachers are aware of your child’s requirements and can provide appropriate care.
3. Establish a Realistic Routine.
   • Tip: Start a consistent daily routine that includes waking up, meals, and bedtime. Gradually align it with the preschool’s schedule, based on the hours you want your child to be enrolled.
   • Benefit: Helps children adapt to the structured environment of the preschool. Predictable routines serve as a foundation, so when the big changes happen, young children can adjust more easily.
4. Practice Basic Skills.
   • Tip: Encourage self-help skills such as washing hands, using the toilet, and dressing themselves. Practice sharing, following directions, and taking turns through play.
   • Benefit: Builds confidence and independence.
5. Label Belongings.
   • Tip: Label all personal items, including clothing, backpacks, lunchboxes, and comfort items, with your child’s name.
   • Benefit: Prevents lost items and helps teachers identify your child’s belongings.
6. Pack the Backpack.
   • Tip: Include essentials such as a change of clothes, a water bottle, a healthy snack, a small comfort item (if allowed), and any required paperwork. For younger children, include diapers, wipes, and a pacifier if needed. Have them help pack to build their excitement.
   • Benefit: Ensures your child has everything they need for the day.
7. Read Books About Preschool.
   • Tip: Read age-appropriate books about starting preschool to your child. Discuss the stories and answer any questions they may have. Build that excitement for your child.
   • Benefit: Helps children understand what to expect and alleviates fears.
8. Foster Social Skills.
   • Tip: Arrange play dates or attend group activities to help your child practice interacting with peers. Teach them basic social skills like saying “please” and “thank you.”
   • Benefit: Enhances their ability to form friendships and interact positively with others.
9. Encourage Independence.
   • Tip: Allow your child to make simple choices, such as picking out their clothes or deciding on a snack. Encourage them to try new tasks on their own, even if they make mistakes.
   • Benefit: Builds self-confidence and problem-solving skills.
10. Stay Positive and Supportive.
    • Tip: Speak positively about preschool and express excitement about the new experiences. Be patient and understanding if your child has mixed emotions – this is normal.
    • Benefit: Your positive attitude will reassure your child and help them feel more secure about starting preschool.

By taking these steps, you can help your children feel more comfortable and prepared for their preschool experience, setting a positive foundation for their educational journey.

Here are some additional considerations for other ages:

• Infants (0-1 years old):
  • Focus on a gentle transition if they are entering a daycare or nursery setting. Ensure they are comfortable with their caregiver.
  • Gradually introduce them to spending short periods away from you.
• Toddlers (1-3 Years old):
  • Emphasize routines and self-help skills like washing hands and eating independently.
  • Engage in play that mimics preschool activities, such as group songs and simple crafts.
• Pre-K (4-5 Years old):
  • Prepare them for more structured activities and the concept of following a class schedule.
  • Discuss any fears or concerns they may have about starting school and address them together.

The prep starts right at home and can be built on through programs like the one offered at Lightbridge Academy of Plano, where we balance nurturing care with a unique early childhood education curriculum that helps children grow and develop. Together, our children, parents, staff, community and owners all come together as a family to contribute to and benefit from a trusted Circle of Care — where we embrace the potential of today and explore the promise of tomorrow. Our core values are driven by a desire to nurture and develop meaningful relationships with all members of the Lightbridge Academy family, never forgetting that CHILDREN are at the center of why we are all gathered together.

• A Great Start for Infants: Our infant suite is the perfect developmentally appropriate environment for little ones as they learn to move, pull up, roll over and eventually crawl.
• Teaching at a Toddlers Pace: Toddlers are quickly learning so much about the world around them, developing faster than almost any other age group. Lightbridge Academy of Plano’s Toddler Program is designed to make the most of every one of their fast-paced milestones.
• A Solid Foundation for a Lifetime of Learning: Preschool provides the freedom and opportunity for children to develop and grow in independence and confidence. An engaged child learns! 

Studies show that children who participate in a quality Pre-K program are prepared to learn and perform better throughout elementary school. Our curriculum provides theme-based lessons and activities designed to bring out the strengths in every child, so they can enter kindergarten with confidence and are well prepared to learn!

To learn more about Lightbridge Academy of Plano, please call us at (945) 468-2700