Enrolling a child in preschool can be an exciting yet anxious time for both parents and children. For some families, preschool might be the first time a child is separated from the parents during the day and the first time a child will have to follow a more regimented schedule for playtime, lesson plans, and meals.

To make the transition to preschool easier for you and your child, here are two quick tips on how to prepare him or her beforehand. You might also speak with the administrator of your chosen preschool about how to prepare a child before their first day because administrators or teachers can often provide many helpful hints on getting a child ready for their exciting new adventure.

Take a Tour of the Preschool

Many preschools have open houses or days set aside specifically for families to visit and tour the various rooms to get to know the building, the outside playground, and the like. Taking your child to visit the preschool building creates a familiar atmosphere, as they'll know what the rooms look like, where the restrooms are located, and what activities await them at the school before their first day.

If your chosen preschool doesn't have an open house or tour day scheduled, ask if you can walk your child through the building one day when the school is open. As long as you're not disruptive of their schedule, a preschool will typically allow parents to bring their child in and get accustomed to the building and their new surroundings before their first day.

Create a Schedule

Preschools often have set schedules for a child's activities throughout the day, including scheduled lesson plans, storytelling or reading, a specific time for snacking and lunch, and so on. To ensure your child adjusts to a more structured schedule, create one at home before he or she enters preschool!

As an example, you might have a set time every morning used for reading to your child while he or she sits on the floor and listens quietly, as they'll probably do in their new school. Have another set time for 'recess' in the morning and afternoon.

You might also not allow your child to eat until set snack times throughout the day. By having your child slowly adjust to an actual schedule at home, they might be more comfortable following the more regimented schedule set out for them in their new preschool.

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