As the new school year approaches change can be difficult for families. Some families will have concerns about their child going into a new classroom, while others will have concerns about their child starting a whole new school and being in a new environment. There will be days when drop off is smooth and there will be days when drop off is bumpy. Just remember that this takes time and that consistency is key! Here are some tips to help you along your new journey:

New Students:

1. Have your child come with you on the day of the tour so your child can see the school, the classroom, and meet the teachers as well as new friends.
2. Before your child’s first day of school, start talking to him/her about their new weekly schedule. Explain their new morning routines and show them the route they will be taking to school.
3. Be prepared to stay a few extra minutes. Your child may be slow to warm up to their new environment. When leaving, let your child know who will come to pick them up. Having a drop off routine might be helpful to have for example a kiss to hold, a hand game, a picture to keep, or a transition item like a small toy or a small blanket.
4. Once you do leave the classroom, hold back on being the hero and coming to the rescue. We understand that crying may happen for the first few weeks – separations are challenging. Our teachers are fully qualified and trained to handle the situation.
5. What you can do instead is call and check in with your child’s classroom teacher.
6. Establish a routine: Try to maintain a regular schedule so your child will know what to expect.
7. When picking up your child, ask them about their day.

Returning Student:

1. If your child is moving into a new classroom, start having conversations with your child a few week before the change happens. Creating a countdown calendar and every morning have your child mark off each day until the move.
2. Ask your child how they feel about the new classroom change and express your own feelings to your child as well.
3. Talk to the center supervisor and ask if you and your child can have a tour of the classroom and meet the new teachers before they start.
4. Make a list of questions you would like to ask the new teachers.
5. Plan ahead the day of the change. Your child may be slow to warm up to the new classroom and might need you to be present for a few extra minutes.
6. When you pick up your child from school ask them to recall their day.

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Vernee Pulliam Davis (“Teacher Vernee”)
Master Teacher
FranDelJA Enrichment Center