This page* offers parenting tips and information condensed from the book by Dr. Brenda Hussey-Gardner ©1992-2003 [ Parent Links | Parenting Me Home | VORT Home ]

Preparing for Preschool

Preschool has replaced kindergarten as the first school experience for many children; for some, it is also their first experience away from home. In preschool, many children acquire the skills they need for kindergarten and learn how to socialize with other children. Ensuring that my preschool experience is successful involves three phases: choosing the right preschool, preparing me for preschool, and supporting me through preschool. Choosing the right preschool. Most preschools conduct registration for the fall during the prior winter. To meet possible deadlines, be prepared to decide on a preschool six to eight months before I will begin preschool. There are five steps to choosing the right school for me. The first step is to determine your philosophy on preschool. Some parents think of preschool as a place for their child to develop basic academic skills. Other parents view preschool as an opportunity for their child to develop good peer relationships. You need to decide what you want my preschool experience to do for me. Once you know your philosophy on preschool and once you have a good feeling for the type of preschool that you are looking for, the next step is to find the preschools in our area that are the right type. Before conducting visits to local preschools, you may need to streamline your list. Your first contact with the preschools will probably be over the phone or in person at a fair. When you talk with preschool personnel, ask about the program's philosophy, school's location, cost, and number of days per week children attend. Based on all this information, narrow your list. Schedule appointments to conduct observations and interviews at the remaining programs on your list. As you observe, evaluate the physical environment, classroom schedule, activities offered, and teacher-child interactions. During the interview, consider the school's discipline policy, level of parent involvement, and qualifications of the school and it's staff. Use the information that you gather along with your gut reaction to select the preschool where you will send me. Preparing me for school. This process usually occurs during the summer before I start preschool. Many children experience some anxiety about starting preschool. The fear of the unknown creates much of this anxiety. To relieve it, introduce the concept of preschool to me and show me the school. Talking with me about a friend who goes to school is an excellent way of introducing the topic of school to me. Reading books about preschool is another way. Playing preschool is also an excellent way to prepare me for the routine of my preschool. If I will ride a bus to school, pretend to ride a bus or sing the song, "The Children on the Bus." Although playing school helps prepare me for the routine and rules of my school, I may still have trouble picturing what school will be like for me. Actually showing me the preschool provides me with an image of my school and helps me more accurately imagine what preschool will be like. Supporting me throughout the preschool years, beginning on the first day of school and continuing until I graduate to kindergarten. During the first few days of preschool, most of your support will revolve around easing separation. Avoid arriving at the school too early. It only prolongs the act of separation for me. As difficult as it may be, do not remove me from the classroom if I cry. Bringing me home because I cry may reinforce the crying and may even increase the crying throughout the adjustment period. As long as I am in a loving environment, the teacher, aide, or director will give me the support and gentle encouragement I need to make the transition. Communicating with my teacher is an important part of supporting my preschool experience. Speak with my teacher weekly. Arrange to have a more in-depth parent-teacher conference twice a year. Besides communicating with my teacher, ask me about preschool. Each day after school, take a few minutes to talk about my day at school. I may feel sad when school closes for a holiday. Prepare me for this ahead of time, by mentioning that it will be the last week of school before winter break. In the same way, prepare me for the summer break. [ Top]

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