The first day of preschool can be a stressful time for both children and their parents. Parents don't always know what to do and fear that a single wrong decision might leave their child in an uncomfortable or upsetting situation. Les Enfants Preschool, in Palisades Park, NJ, answers a few frequently asked questions about how to prepare for the first day of preschool.

A Guide to Preschool Preparation

How Can I Emotionally Prepare My Child?

According to preschool instructors, one of the best ways to prepare your child for the first day is by visiting the preschool with your child ahead of time to familiarize them with the teachers and the classroom. You can also use pretend play to explore the idea of preschool. Take turns being the parent, child and teacher. Act out common daily routines. Reassure your child that preschool is a good place where they will have fun and learn.

What Should I Do If My Child Starts Crying?

If your child has a negative emotional response to the first day of school, don't panic. Listen to your child’s worries. Let them know that it is okay to feel happy, sad, excited, scared or worried. Then the best thing to do when you drop off is to stay 15 – 30 minutes on that first morning to ease the transition. Explore the classroom, meet some of the children, play with a few toys and when you see your child is comfortable, it is time to leave. Give them a hug and kiss, promise them you'll see them later that day, and move on. You want to acknowledge their fears and console them, but you shouldn't overdo it, either. Show them your complete support, then leave the rest to the teachers. Resist running back into the classroom if you hear your child crying. It sends the message that he or she is only okay if you are there and will prolong their distress and make it harder in the long run. At Les Enfants Preschool, you can watch the classroom from the monitors in the office and you will receive photos of your child during the day in your email. Call the school to check on how they are doing.

What Should I Pack?

Most preschools provide one or more snack times, so no need to pack any. It is also best not to send toys or personal items from home since it causes problems with sharing and makes the teacher the bad guy if they need to take the items away. The only personal item they may need is a blanket or stuffed animal to snuggle at nap time and a change of clothing. Photos of family also help for them to look at if they are sad and need a reassuring face!

Should I Mingle With Other Parents?

Dropping your child off in the morning is an excellent time to meet other parents and strike up friendships. You don't, however, want to linger for too long. Your child should be able to make a clean, complete transition to the school day. Lingering in the building for too long could disrupt that process for them.

If you're looking for a preschool in Palisades Park that takes exposure to academics and intellectual growth seriously, then you want to look into Les Enfants. Around since 1980, the preschool offers classes for children between the ages of two and a half to five. Experienced teachers guide students through activities that stimulate their social, cognitive, and emotional skills. Visit the school's website to learn more about their developmentally appropriate, academic-focused early education curriculum, or call the school directly at (201) 592-6695.