How to Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten & Childcare

School / Childcare starting in kindergarten (or some form of childcare) will be a wonderful new chapter for your child, with new people to meet, new routines to learn, and new things for them to encounter.

Some may be bouncing with anticipation while others may feel a little shy. It’s our job as parents at home to help our child prepare for this move.

A little preparation for an early education centre is helpful, as it can give your child a boost of confidence about his new world – it’s not about teaching your child all there is to know! Rather, it is about working with their normal lives and their own confidence skills.

Build a Consistent Routine

When kids are aware of what will happen next, they tend to be more relaxed. It’s important to form a simple daily routine before your child starts kindergarten or childcare.

Establish waking times, meal times, play times, bath times, and sleep times. A good regular routine can help a child learn what to expect for their days. It will also make mornings easier for the entire family. You should consider following the similar timetable as your child will have in the new institution. 

Encourage Independence

Kids do plenty of little tasks daily. It’s essential to encourage your kids to learn these skills. Allow them to wear their shoes, pack their backpack, wash their hands, and eat alone.

Don’t be concerned if your kids are taking a bit longer. Give them the time to practise. Help them when necessary, but let them figure out things on their own. You can also teach your child to know their own things. Mark their bag, bottle, clothing, and other belongings.

Develop Communication Skills

Effective communication promotes the development of relationships among children with their teachers and peers. Guide your child to express his feelings, requirements, and adventures. Explain to him some helpful phrases, such as 'I need help', 'Can I join you?', and 'I don't like it.' These phrases can be useful for them in different situations.

Get together with him and read a book each day and take an opportunity to ask him questions about the people, the places and the events in the books. Encourage him to make predictions. This shall aid in the growth of language and the development of speech. The early education centre will develop these skills also by practising them in groups, through dialogues, stories and play activities.

Practise Social Skills

Your child is going to meet several new friends at preschool or day care. Therefore, it is advisable for them to refine their sharing, turn-taking, listening, and cooperating abilities at home. You can also plan playdates with other children. Or you could take your toddler to park and public places in the community where your toddler would be lucky to make new friends.

As much of social practice, the behavioural exchanges progress slowly over a gradual number of days. Thus, praise your child’s success whenever he or she engages in activities such as sharing, waiting, or assisting another toddler.

Introduce the New Environment

Familiarity is a remedy for anxiety. Before sending your kid to the kindergarten or daycare centre, it is good to make a visit there. You can show your child every space, from the entrance to the play and class rooms. Make sure you tell them all about their surroundings. Do not promise anything that might be impossible to provide.

Prepare for Separation

Being separated from their parents for the first time is a huge challenge for many toddlers. Make your child feel confident preparing your child for this experience includes familiarising them with very short periods of separation.

You could leave your child in the care of a friend or family member for a short while. Always say goodbye before leaving. Do not just walk away without informing your child. Maintain a consistent routine so that they are reassured that you will return.

Be calm and confident when saying goodbye to your child. Kids can be influenced easily by their parent’s feelings.

Encourage Healthy Habits

Proper health gives a boost to learning. Encourage your child to sleep early. Provide meals that are rich in nutrients and water. You could teach them some basic hygiene skills like washing hands and covering their mouth when coughing.

Furthermore, when your child enrols in a long-day care kindergarten, these learned skills will ensure that their routine goes on smoothly.

Choose the Right Learning Environment

Every individual has different requirements and preferences. Consider your child’s personality, approach to learning, likes, dislikes, and comfort when choosing a childcare centre. See whether the centre offers any particular organised activities, indoor activities or even just going outdoors. It is worth asking if they offer certain special events or outdoor play activities.

A good early education centre must be equipped with a safe and friendly environment. It must also provide children with plenty of opportunities to learn, create, communicate and be independent.

If you are interested in long-day care kindergarten for your child, enquire about daily activities, menus, napping schedules, learning programs, and parent communication. This information will show you how the centre will help your child.

Make the First Day Positive

Make the first day easy and joyous. Prepare the childhood clothing and the bag in advance. Leave plenty of time in the morning so that your child can have breakfast and dress themselves. Explain the day in simple terms, such as teacher meetings, group play and class activities.

Above all, give your child time to get used to this. Some kids adapt in a day. Other kids need days or weeks. Always be patient and keep the same schedule. Starting kindergarten or childcare does not necessitate great and thorough preparations. A child only needs confidence, help, and a chance to use skills.