Starting early childhood education can already be a slow transition for young students. When there are additional factors putting stress on your child, their performance in school can suffer. Many problems won’t be immediately obvious, but having conversations with your child and their teachers will help uncover the issue. From there, you can work with the school to find a solution to manage the situation. Consider these factors that may be impacting your young one’s progress.

What Might Be Affecting Your Child’s Performance in School

1. Allergies

Severe allergies often start in early childhood. Symptoms may include rashes, hives, itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma, and excessive coughing or sneezing. Reactions can be bad enough for your child to frequently stay home from school, affecting their grades and health. See an allergist as soon as possible if you suspect an allergy is at play.

2. Undiagnosed Disorders

Students diagnosed with disorders like ADHD often demonstrate academic difficulties and trouble following directions. This tends to be ignored as a symptom of early childhood restlessness, but it’s essential to recognize the signs. If they are diagnosed, there are many ways schools and child care centers can accommodate disorders.

3. Bullying

Has your child expressed disdain for school or their classmates? Or, have they consistently asked to stay home? There’s a chance they’re experiencing bullying. This can severely damage children’s drive and self-esteem, resulting in a slip in grades, attendance, and overall mood. If you fear your child is being bullied, reach out to their teachers to look for a solution.

4. Learning Disabilities

Like ADD and ADHD, learning disabilities are overlooked in early childhood. Approximately 5% of children are identified as having a learning disability, but because diagnoses increase with age, it’s apparent that many cases in young children go undiagnosed. Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, auditory processing disorder, and language processing disorder can interfere with academics and social interactions. Talk to your pediatrician about offering support at home and in the classroom.

Every child deserves a chance to thrive. At Pumpkin Preschool, teachers are ready to give children the guidance and support necessary to build confidence and grow as individuals. Compassion is key, and this Fairfield, CT, day care center understands that every child develops differently and comes with individual needs. Parents can rest assured their child is in a safe, nurturing environment with a commitment to happy, healthy children. To learn more about their early childhood programs, visit them online or call (203) 255-7505.