That Big First Day
This is a momentous occasion–your preschooler is preparing to take the plunge into kindergarten! It’s a day filled with excitement, curiosity and yes, a few nervous butterflies in both you and your little one’s stomach. Whether your child has been home, a preschool or another childcare setting, you want their first day to be not only special but to set them off on the right foot. We’ve compiled a helpful list of research-backed tips and strategies to put into your parenting toolbelt, so you can absolutely prepare your new Kindergartener for an amazing start!
We pride ourselves on preparing our students for their journey to Elementary School. Call us here at Lily Pad Childcare to ask about our curriculum, teaching methods and to schedule a tour to come see learning in action!
1. Talk About What to Expect
Sometimes the scariest thing is the unexpected. Discuss with your child what Kindergarten will be like and take them to meet their teacher and see their school or classroom if at all possible. Use simple, positive language to describe what their day will look like– making friends, story time, arts and crafts and even recess. Research shows that talking through transitions (in this case, the transition to a new school, teacher, etc.) will help children feel more prepared and reduce anxiety (source). As you chat remember, excitement is contagious! So be excited for your little one to help encourage them!
We know transitions can be hard for little ones. Here at Lily Pad Childcare, we not only work with our students on our everyday transitions, but we are happy to help our Pre-K classroom prepare for their next adventure, too! We read books like The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn that talk about the first day of school. Schedule a tour today to see what other ideas we have to help with transitions!
2. Build a Back-to-School Routine
No doubt about it, preschoolers thrive on structure. Whether in daycare, childcare, or at home, routines can make all the difference. Start practicing early for your typical school-day schedule by starting consistent wake and sleep times. Consistent routines help create a sense of security and predictability–an essential piece of early childhood education (source). Additionally, a few weeks before kindergarten starts you can begin to get into a morning routine of wake (at the same time you would for school), eat, get dressed, brush teeth, etc. Help your little one out by creating a visual list that they can follow to help prompt them through their morning routine.
Routines are a huge part of our day here at Lily Pad Childcare. Predictability in our schedule helps our students stay on task and know what to expect from their day. Come for a tour to see our different schedules by age group!
3. Practice Independence Skills
The National Association for the Education of Young Children emphasizes that independence is a foundation for confidence and classroom success in little ones. When your kindergartener goes to school, they will be expected to be able to complete small tasks on their own. Working on these self-help skills ahead of time will ensure that your child feels confident as they embark on this new journey. Using the bathroom on their own, zipping their jacket and their backpack and clearing their spot after meals are all excellent examples of skills to practice! You can also ask your preschoolers teacher what skills they might like you to practice at home, as well.
Independence is an important and foundational part of early childhood education. Here at Lily Pad Childcare we make it our duty to help children not simply grow academically, but to grow in their independence, as well. Putting on shoes, cleaning up toys, and washing hands are all the beginnings of larger tasks they will learn down the road. Call us today to schedule a tour and see our classrooms, meet our teachers, and ask any questions you might have!
4. Encourage Social-Emotional Growth
Kindergarten is a lovely time not just for learning numbers and first words, but for forming early social skills as well! Learning to follow instructions, wait your turn, and express emotions appropriately are all pivotal skills that are honed within early childhood education. All of these are modeled for children daily at home, at preschool, daycare, the grocery store, everywhere. While watching others can be a helpful guide, pointed practice can help–especially in modeling the behavior you would like to see. You can do this through a play scenario with puppets or dolls, watching quality shows on feelings or reading books that encourage and direct your child on the right path. 
According to the organization Zero to Three, social-emotional skills are a stronger predictor than early academics on school success. Here at Lily Pad Childcare it is vitally important to us that we are a prime example and teacher of proper behavior quality relationships. Come for a tour and meet our lovely educators and see how we work as a team to help our students learn and grow.
5. Celebrate the Big Day
Make your new kindergarteners first day special with a fun breakfast, balloons, matching adult/child bracelets, or even a trip for ice cream once the day is through. Remember, children are like sponges–not just when learning but emotionally, as well. Stay upbeat and help your little one feel excited rather than anxious as their first day approaches. Your positive attitude will set the tone for your child’s experience.
The Next Big Step
The first day of kindergarten is a big step for such a little person! Help your preschooler face it prepared with solid routines, encouragement, and lots of love. You have been your child’s first teacher and now you are giving them the tools to thrive as they step out into the world just a little bit more.
Watch out world, these new kindergarteners are ready to go!
We would love to support your family through quality childcare and preschool. Call us today at Lily Pad Childcare to check on our openings, schedule a tour and to take a deeper dive into our personal early childhood education philosophies!