How To Survive Sending Your Child to Preschool For The 1st Time

Sending your child to preschool for the first time can be a scary thing, even if you’ve done all your research.

See related story: Preschool Guide: What Are The Choices Locally

Local preschool directors offer some tips for a smooth transition for first-time parents and their kids.

Know When Your Child is Ready

If you didn’t need day care services when your child was an infant and you’re just starting to think about preschool, spend some time observing your child’s interactions with other kids to see if he or she is ready.

“If you bring your kid to a park and they’re off and playing and involved in the social aspect, they’re probably ready,” said Shari Zander, director of Little Scouts Preschool Program. “Clingy kids might benefit from a couple days away from mom or dad each week to build up to kindergarten.”

Trust Your Friends – and Your Gut

“When choosing a preschool, recommendations from friends are great,” Zander said. She added that it’s important to consider safety, your parenting philosophy and your communication needs.

“Don’t worry about the academic part” of preschool, said Penny Robbins, director of Kinderhaven Preschool Academy. “Worry about the environment and social aspect. The academic stuff will come later. Preschool won’t get them in or keep them out of Harvard — it sets the tone for their education. Look at what you want out of the environment.”

Added Zander, “Make sure when you visit, you leave with a gut feeling. Ask, ‘Are the teachers friendly? Is it clean and safe?’ ”

Even if a school meets all your needs, the Little Scouts director said: “If there’s not a good feeling, it might not be a good school for you.”

Visit Often Before the First Day of School

If you’re putting your child into preschool as an infant, “visit when pregnant and come back when the baby is born,” Zander said. “Spend time with your baby in class with the teacher.”

Zander also recommended dropping off all of your child’s personal items and materials the week before school starts. “That way, by the first day, you can say, ‘Here’s the baby’ and leave because you’ve spent time there the week before.”

Don’t Be Afraid to be ‘That Parent’…

… the one calling and visiting the preschool frequently to check in.

“As a first-time parent, go with what you feel,” Zander said. “It will be difficult to let go of your baby. Make sure you can connect with the teachers. Some parents call every day — that’s OK!”

The school should be willing to communicate as much as needed to make you and your child feel comfortable.

“Parents have the hardest time when it comes to preschool,” said Robbins. “Make sure you trust the teachers and the school. New parents should come to the classroom and play with their kids.”

Robbins also recommended attending open houses and separation-anxiety workshops.

When It’s Time to Let Go, Be Confident

When the preschool is chosen, the visits are over and it’s the first time you’ve ever left your child in the care of strangers, be confident and your child will be, too.

“Many young children will cry — many do not,” said Randee Phillips, director of . “If they cry, they’ll stop. Children are sensitive to how their parent is feeling. It’s important that the parent has an attitude of ‘This is what’s best for my child.’ ”