With the summer break period ending and kids around the country returning to school, this is an exciting but sometimes-anxious time for both parents and students. This can be especially true for younger children who are entering a certain level of school for the first time, and a great example here is 4- and 5-year-old children who are preparing to enter their first preschool class.

At Lit’l Scholars Learning Center, we’re proud to offer some of the best preschool classes in Salt Lake City, led by experienced and certified teachers. But we also understand that, for some children (and parents!), the thought of attending preschool can be a bit daunting. With that in mind, this two-part blog series will go over several ways you can help your young child prepare for preschool. Today’s part one will look at some areas to cover before your child has entered the classroom, while part two next time will dig into some themes for the first few days and weeks your child is attending class.

Make an Early Visit

One great way of helping familiarize your child with their new preschool is to make an early visit together. This way, your child can get a feel for the layout of the school, where their classroom will be, and see some of the other students and teachers they’ll interact with on a daily basis.

Be sure to get in touch with the school ahead of time to schedule a visit, as some may have specific days or times when visitors are welcome.

Explain What Will Happen

In addition to getting a feel for the physical space they’ll be in, it can also be helpful to explain to your child what will happen on a typical day at preschool. This might include going over a basic schedule of activities, such as free play, circle time, arts and crafts, snack time, and outdoor play.

By showing them what to expect, you can help ease any fears or anxieties your child might have about attending preschool.

Acknowledge Fears or Concerns

For many kids, the thought of attending preschool is a happy and exciting one. But for some, it can be a bit scary or overwhelming. As a parent, it’s important to take the time to listen to any fears or concerns your child might have about starting school.

Once you’ve had a chance to really hear what they’re saying, you can then help talk through those fears or concerns. This might include explaining that everyone feels a little bit nervous at first, but that they’ll soon make friends and feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.

For more on how to prep your child for their first preschool experience, or to learn about any of our preschool services, daycare alternatives or related child care programs, speak to the caring staff at Lit’l Scholars Learning Center today.