Advice from a Pre-School Teacher: 3 Things to Prepare Your Children AND You for Pre-school

We are continuing our 3 Part Series on Day Care/ Pre-School with Kris Rosales, or Mrs. Kris as she’s known to her students.

She’s been a teacher for 5 years an has tons of experience with kids of all age groups, from new borns to 5 year old toddlers. She’s also an expecting Mother and one of our very own Peg and Lion Moms!

Last week she wrote about how to choose a Day Care/ Pre-School by listing 10 questions to ask your prospective Day Care before you enroll. If you missed it you can see it here.

We’ll now continue on and assume you have chosen the perfect facility for your little one.

Here are 3 things you can do to help your child AND you prepare for that big day they enroll.

In her own words, Mrs. Kris’s thoughts on how to prepare for day care or pre-school

1. While touring, ask to see your child’s perspective classroom. Then discuss with THAT teacher what your child must already know, what they will learn and what they need to know before they can move up

This is SO IMPORTANT. I’ve had children put into my classroom, who were NOT ready for it.

What happens is normally the director or assistant director tour the perspective parents and

the parents are informed about each classroom. Parents are not properly informed of what

their child should already be doing PRIOR to entering that classroom. So when that child is

placed in that room while lacking all the necessary skills, the parent is informed by the

teacher after the fact, which ultimately can make that parent become defensive. But talking

to the teacher beforehand can save the trouble.

2. Ask about a “Trial day”

What is a trial day? Most childcare centers offer a trial day, this is where the center allows

you to drop your child off just for a day to see how they react to being in a group care. This

allows you and your child time to get a feel for the new routine and give you time to prepare

mentally.

3. Have a daily routine

I know this one can be confusing, but surprisingly it is very common to meet a mom whom

didn’t have their child on a set schedule and allowed them to nap and play any time of the

day. But I highly recommend having your child on the same daily routine every day prior to

entering childcare to properly prepare your child to be told what time to do what.

………..

Routine’s are so important. And we love having a trial day. But the first one, knowing what they expect and what your child needs to move up is so so so critical.

Thank you so much Mrs, Kris for sharing your thoughts and giving us these great tips!

If you guys have any thoughts or question please leave them in the comments or send us an email.

Julie Anne and Mike