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Ten Tips for Parents - Starting
Preschool*
Tip 1: Visit the preschool to become familiar with
the setting
The more familiar your child is with the preschool staff and the
environment, the easier it will be for your child to settle into the
preschool. If possible, make a time to visit preschool during school
hours. Parents/carers can observe the preschool in operation and
have the opportunity to meet the staff, ask questions and discuss
any concerns. Your child will have an opportunity to mix with other
children, meet the preschool staff, and become familiar with the
environment while feeling secure that someone familiar is close by.
Tip 2: Be well informed
Parents/carers need to be prepared for preschool, too. Talk to the
principal and the preschool teacher to find out as much information
as you can about your child attending preschool. If you know about
the new routines and experiences your child will encounter, you will
be ready to answer any questions they might have, such as: How will
I get there? How long will I be there? How many days do I have to
go? What if I want to go to the toilet? What room will I be in and
what am I going to do there? Will I get to play?
The first day of preschool can be an anxious experience for both you
and your child. Preparing your child for preschool by answering all
their questions honestly and in as much detail as they can
understand can curb potential anxieties.
Tip 3: Find out what will your child will need to
bring to preschool
Talk to your principal or preschool teacher to find out the
preschool's requirements regarding lunchboxes, drink containers and
other necessary personal items.
Tip 4: Encourage independence
Children who are able to care for themselves and their belongings
will feel more confident at preschool. Parents/carers can encourage
children to practise personal hygiene, such as wiping their nose and
toileting independently. Help your child to feel confident and
independent by dressing them in clothing which is simple enough for
them to manage with little adult help.
Children who assist in packing their bag at home each morning will
readily identify their own belongings during the day.
Tip 5: Label equipment and clothing
Children's belongings may look very similar to their classmates'.
Labelling your child’s equipment and clothing with their name will
help prevent loss, confusion and possible upset for your child.
Tip 6: Pack a change of clothes for preschool
Accidents do happen. There may be a toilet mishap, wet sleeves from
hand washing, or mess from craft or outdoor experiences. When
accidents occur children prefer to change into their own clothes,
rather than "school clothes". Pack a spare set of clothes, labelled
with your child’s name, in your child’s bag.
Tip 7: Share information with the preschool
teacher
Children learn best when parents/carers and teachers share together
in a partnership. Your child's preschool teacher has many students
to get to know. Because you know your child best, you can help the
teacher understand your child by sharing information, concerns and
insights. Regular communication between parents/carers and teachers
bridges the gap between home and preschool and provides
opportunities to exchange information which support children's
learning.
Tip 8: Keep the preschool teacher informed of
changes
Changes to your child's family situation can impact on their
emotional and academic well-being. If you keep your child's teacher
informed of any changed circumstances the child can be supported if
necessary. Examples of changes include the birth of a sibling;
moving house; divorce or separation or the death or hospitalization
of a loved one. It is also important to notify the school of changes
to contact details, such as address and emergency telephone numbers.
Tip 9: Participate in the preschool and the school
Parents/caretakers are welcome to participate in the preschool by
attending special activities and by volunteering to help in the
classroom. This may assist to reassure your child that you are
interested in them and their preschool.
Tip 10 Provide information about your child's
immunization status
Your child will be coming into contact with other children and
infections can spread quickly.
Immunization records will be requested for preschool enrolment.
Under the Public Health (Amendment) Act 1992, children who have not
been immunized may be sent home during an outbreak of a
vaccine-preventable disease.
**From http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/gotoschool/preschool/tentips.php
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