The transition from child care to pre-school and school

Tips for a Pain-Free First Day at Pre-school
Your child's first day at pre-school will be an exciting and emotional event for the whole family. As a parent the thought of sending your child off to pre-school could well be slightly traumatic and for children the reality of starting ‘school' can be a scary yet highly anticipated event.
Pre-school is designed to help children transition from life in the family, or a child care centre, to the more formal school system. Pre-school programs are designed to develop children's communication, problem solving and thinking skills and to familiarise them with the routines and rhythms of school life.
Emphasis is placed on the importance of teaching children independence and giving them the confidence to ask for what they want or need in a classroom environment.
With a little preparation and planning prior to the big day you can help ensure your child's first day at pre-school is a positive and rewarding experience for all of you.
Before the First Day

• Talk to your child about pre-school and what an exciting adventure it will be. Have a chat to your child's future teacher and principal and gain as much information as possible. This will ensure you can answer all your child's questions about what they will do, where they will go to the toilet, where and when they will eat lunch and so on. Being as thorough and as honest as you can, will ease your child's concerns.
• Help your child prepare mentally for pre-school by spending extended amounts of time doing activities which require patience and concentration, such as reading a book, playing a quiet board game or working on a puzzle. Listen and direction games such as Simon Says will teach your child how to follow instructions.
• In the weeks leading up to pre-school encourage your child to be as independent as possible when it comes to dressing, feeding, going to the toilet, looking for things and washing his/her hands. This will give your child the confidence to perform these tasks on their own at pre-school.
• If possible spend time with other pre-school aged children in the days leading up to the start of school so your child builds up confidence in his or her ability to communicate with older children.
• Visit the local pre-school with your child during school hours. This will ensure your child is familiar with the staff and surroundings and will give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
• Find out what your child should take with them to per-school for example, sun hat and sun block, water bottle, lunch box, pencils. Make a point of labeling all of the items, this will help your child identify their belongings and will save money and possible upsets in the case of your little one losing something important to them.
• On the First Day
  
• Get up early to ensure you have plenty of time to get everything done in a peaceful and positive environment.
• Plan a celebratory breakfast for your pre-schooler, make a fuss and present him/her with a small gift, such as a new bag or a Starting Pre-School Certificate, this will make your child feel very important in their new role.
• Pack a change of clothes, so that your child has something of their own to change into, in case of a messy emergency.
• When you arrive at the pre-school, take your child in, show him/her where to put their belongings and introduce him/her to the teacher.
• If you are leaving straight away, give your child a cuddle and kiss, say good bye in a positive voice and leave. Try not to turn around if your child starts crying as this only prolongs the farewell. Remember most children stop crying as soon as their parents are out of sight!
• If you are staying, let your child do their own thing, but remain within their line of vision. Encourage your child to be as independent as possible. If you leave before the end of the session, give your child a kiss and a cuddle, say good bye in a positive voice and leave.

In the Long Term

• If you have time, try and get involved in pre-school life. This might include helping out in the classroom from time to time, going on class trips or assisting with special events such as school fairs.
• Maintain regular communication with your child's teacher, both on a formal and informal basis. Remember you know your child better than anyone and are in the best position to provide the teacher with information to help them ensure your child receives maximum benefits from pre-school.
• Advise your child's teacher if something happens at home which could impact on your child's performance at pre-school. Things which might affect your child include the birth of a sibling, divorce, moving house, visitors or a death or illness in the family.
• Remember that pre-school should be a positive and rewarding experience for your child. By employing some of the suggestions provided above you will be working to ensure that your child has a great time from the outset and this will pave the way for a successful transition to school.  
• Get Involved!
  Remember, your child's school is part of your local community so if you have the time try and get involved: volunteer for working bees, do canteen duty, accompany the class on excursions and try to attend sports days and fetes. Your child will find the transition to school easier if they know you're involved and taking an interest.