First Day of School, Back to Routine

2024-2025 Early Learning Preschool Program/UTK Schedules

Let your child know that his or her nervous or apprehensive feelings about the start of school are normal.
Most children have a hard time getting back into the routine of the school year....especially in these times with many changes.
Let your children know that they are not alone in this experience.
Set your children up for success with clear expectations, simple step by step instructions, and lots of praise at the completion of each step.

Visit the preschool/UTK. Visit your child's classroom to meet the teacher and their staff ahead of time.
Read books, such as "My First Day of School" by Michelle Medlock Adams. "Rosie Goes to Preschool" by Karen Katz. This book also talks about nap time if you are in the UTK class or all-day preschool. "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn. This book talks about missing mommy, and being afraid. "Llama Llama Misses Mama" by Anna Dewdney (Video's of these books are placed below for access).
Model for your student as if you were going to school by lining up, putting away jacket in the cubby, washing hands, sitting down at circle time, playing at centers, teach them basic social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and using their words.
Help your child express and acknowledge their feelings and validate their feelings.
Prepare the night before school such as going to bed early, putting clothes out, eating a healthy breakfast.