Some kids handle the first day of preschool easily. Others find this transition more challenging. Sometimes it can be hard to predict how your child will react.
While there’s no foolproof method, there are some strategies you can use to help your child prepare for preschool or daycare. Here are a few of the main ones.
As preschool approaches, discuss it with your child. Depending on their age, tell them what they can expect, in terms of drop off, pick up, lunch, snacks, and more. Describe with enthusiasm all the positives: fun activities, making new friends, learning new things, having adventures, and more. Be supportive and reassuring. Answer any questions your child may have. Gently address any concerns or anxiety they may have by focusing on the positives.
Don’t overdo it, though. If your child is already excited about preschool, you don’t need to sell it. If your child doesn’t want to talk about it, that may be okay, or you may have to wait for the right time. The key is to make preschool something to look forward to, not something to fear.
Before starting preschool, it’s a good idea to see how comfortable your child is away from you. You can leave them with a friend or relative (one they’re not too comfortable with), even if only for a short time. You might also try sleepovers. See how your child reacts to being without you in a safe and supervised environment.
Set up playdates with your child’s future classmates. It can make all the difference in the world to see a familiar face on the first day of preschool. For many kids, having a new friend in class can really help reduce any separation anxiety they might otherwise experience. Many preschools and daycares will give you a list of the families of children who will be in your child’s class, along with their contact information, for this exact reason.
Visit the preschool with your child before he or she starts the program. Show him or her the building, classroom, bathrooms, etc. If possible, have your child meet their teacher(s), caregiver(s), and other staff. Express excitement throughout the visit. Familiarity with the environment often helps reduce anxiety and worrying.
If your child is anxious, you might consider starting him or her off with a shorter day. You might start your child off with a three-hour day or a half-day. This can help them ease into the transition. After a few days, though, they should be left to experience the typical day.
Drop off time should be brief. Give your child a hug, some quick reassurance, and be on your way. Often, the longer you stay, the worse this makes separation anxiety.
Preschool questions (read our in-depth answers) |
“Parents should visit the preschool with their child before their first day and ideally should be offered a short visit to meet her potential new teacher(s) and classmates during the admissions process. Once accepted, parents can help their child adjust to the idea of preschool by talking about her new school and her new teacher(s)/friends on a regular basis. It is also important to emphasize that parents do not stay at preschool but always come back to pick up their children.
The first day or two can be shorter than the usual routine, but after that, it is advisable to have the child stay at preschool to experience a typical day as soon as possible. This helps to make it clear to the child what the new preschool routine is and will make her feel more at ease as she will know what to expect moving forward.
Separations at drop off time should be short and sweet. The longer the parent stays, the more anxious a child can become in anticipation of that moment of separation. Getting into the routine of quick and happy goodbye will help your child through that transition of leaving mom/dad and starting her day at school.
Purchasing coats, shoes, boots, and other personal items that your child can handle independently will empower your child to feel successful at preschool. Teachers are always happy to help, but having child-free personal items will help your child develop her sense of independence.” Kate Meadowcroft, teacher at Elmwood School (the early years program), in Ottawa, Ontario
“Most parents prepare the children for the idea of going to school. Most of the children are in for the full day. Yes, there is some anxiety, but that dissipates after a few days. We ask the parent to drop off their child and leave that way the separation anxiety is minimal, and the crying, if any, stops within a short time. All children learn to adapt. Most times we have found it’s harder on the parent than on the child, especially if it is the first time they considered putting them in school.” Marcel Pereira, director of Century Private School, a Montessori school in Richmond Hill, Ontario
“In order to fully prepare your child for our preschool program, we recommend that parents have their child come for a full- or half-day trial. It’s natural for your young child to feel anxious when you say goodbye. To ease separation anxiety, we advise parents to prepare their child for their absence before leaving them, listen to and respect their child’s feelings, be reassuring but set limits and stick to them, stay calm, and praise their child’s smallest effort to separate. Children calm down significantly once the parent has left and they become involved in our nurturing and encouraging environment.” Debbie Keough, teacher at Prestige School, a gifted school, in Richmond Hill, Ontario
“The child should visit his/her new school with their family before their first day. Some children need a staggered start, while others are ready to begin on their first morning. A good school will work with a child’s needs and comfort zone.” Corina Gill, assistant head of the lower school at Bayview Glen Independent School, in Toronto, Ontario
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Maple, Ontario — Balanced Academics, Arts, Athletics & Student Wellness. We value best practices & evidence-based approaches. University preparatory & 21st Century Tech-Rich & Future Proof school. Enriched and rigorous curriculum. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$16,700 to $20,700
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
200
Avg. Class:
16 to 18
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Toronto, Ontario — The Clover School's innovative curriculum combines Montessori essentials with heart-centred learning practices designed to nurture the mind, heart, health, and soul of each child. View School Profile.
Grades:
NS to 6 (Coed)
Type:
Montessori
Tuition:
$15,100 to $24,200
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
400
Avg. Class:
10 to 30
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Toronto, Ontario — Prestige School offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Toronto. Its average class size is 10 to 18 students. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional
Tuition:
$14,500 to $18,000
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
290
Avg. Class:
12 to 18
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Belleville, Ontario — At Albert College, every student is an 'A' student. From Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12 our students experience all 5 of the Albert 'A’ s; Academics, Arts, Athletics, Active Citizenship and Adventure programming. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional
Tuition:
$18,700 to $75,400
Living:
Day/Boarding
Enrollment:
303
Avg. Class:
15
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Toronto, Ontario — Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12. Our educational process is Beyond the Books! Education as it should be. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Liberal Arts
Tuition:
$13,500 to $16,800
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
350
Avg. Class:
15 to 18
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Mississauga, Ontario — Lynn-Rose's philosophy is to create an environment that is challenging and rewarding; focusing on social, intellectual and emotional aspects of the students development through the International Baccalaureate program. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$17,700 to $22,000
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
600
Avg. Class:
16 to 18
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Queen Margaret's School is a gender inclusive independent day/boarding university preparatory school in Duncan, BC that focuses on preparing young trailblazers...no two journeys are the same.
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Our curriculum are designed to build essential skills and concepts that help with the cognitive, social, creative, emotional, and physical development of your child with the aim to be a successful learner for life!
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NOW WITH LICENSED DAYCARE! Bring your child for a free trial to let him or her experience the difference. Don't be surprised if he or she doesn't want to go home at the end of the day! SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AVAILABLE!
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Our goal is to nurture curious spirits, which is why we value a multilingual pedagogy that encourages both French immersion and a wide selection of langage courses, while promoting cultural exchange.
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Total student growth -- academically, athletically, spiritually, and with a heart for community.
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Vincent Massey supports students in reaching their individual potential through a balanced education; setting your child up for success in all avenues of life.
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River Valley is a Pre-K to Gr. 6 school that harnesses the innate curiosity in children to ensure that every student will flourish academically and socially.
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Since 2002, J. Addison has provided a stimulating education for students. Located at the corner of Woodbine and Valleywood Drive in Markham, ON, Canada, you will find our state-of-the-art 58,000 sq. ft. facility.
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The Hatch House Montessori School is a very child centered school where each student is respected for their uniqueness and is guided through learning accordingly. Ask about our unique, fully bilingual elementary program.
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Located in Markham, Ontario, Town Centre Private Schools is an International Baccalaureate® World School and offers a Montessori Pre-School program as well as an IB Elementary School and optional IB Diploma Programme.
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At Hitherfield we believe that every child is unique, and has their own strengths and interests. With individualized programming, Hitherfield continues to nurture growth, success and confidence in all of our students.
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The main objective of FMA is to provide your child with a planned and stimulating environment in order for them to be able to reach their own individual and highest learning potential while honouring the whole child.
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ArtsCalibre Academy empowers students through creativity, mindfulness and leadership. We offer comprehensive educational programs for Preschool through Grade 12.
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The youngest learners: 18 months to 3 years
(June 25, 2019)
The Earlier Education Begins, the Better
Research shows the period when a child is five months to five years of age is a very critical time for early learning (June 12, 2019)
Preschools in Canada
The benefits of attending preschool go much deeper than simply better school performance (May 30, 2019)
What is a play-based preschool?
The main features and benefits of play-based preschools (May 30, 2019)
