Going to preschool may be looked forward to with enthusiasm and anticipation by both child and parent while on the same note, it terms of going to preschool as stressful. The idea of preparing our child for this new phase of toddlers’ life is very essential in as much as it will help the child or the little one to be ready to face the challenge that comes with the reforming as well as take advantage of the many opportunities that come with it.

Let’s take a look at how to select the proper preschool, how to deal with a child’s transition into the early childhood education centre and the relation of play to learning.

Choosing the Right Preschool

Choosing the right preschool for the child is one of the most important things for every parent. Consider the following factors when making your decision. 

• Location: Select a preschool that is easily accessible from your home or your place of work so that you can avoid having to travel long-distances to educate a child.

• Curriculum: It is important to find a preschool that shares your educational values and is progressive and clearly educates through play while preparing for school.

• Facilities: The physical environment of the preschool should be safe, clean and adequately equipped with toys and other mounts that are suitable for preschool children.

• Staff: First, to have qualified teachers, experienced and with passion in handling young children, preschools should be given priority.

• Communication: Select a preschool that engages the parents frequently and comes up with updates on the progress of the child.

Transitioning to a Structured Environment

Preschool children are fully adapted to be at home and do not like to be restricted to the rigid timetable of preschool institutions. 

Here are some tips to help your child adapt to the school environment.

Establish a Routine

Develop a daily morning program which implies dressing, taking a meal, and putting in a backpack. This will assist your toddler with reducing his/her anxiety level in the morning and make them ready for the day.

Practice Separation

Engage in short absent times where your child has to be left with another care giver such as a grandparent or relative for a few hours.

Read Books

Accustom your child to the thought of preschool by providing books that illustrate preschool in a positive light, and that also touch on the child’s apprehensive feelings, like separation.

Role-play Preschool

Try the role reversal where you wake up in the morning, pretend to be the parent, child or a teacher through-out the day. Perform scenes that are usually associated with day to day activities such as bidding the parents farewell, having their time for circle and playing time outside.

Visit the Preschool

Look for a chance to make a tour to the preschool before the start of the day, and join any orientation programs if any to be with the child before he or she is enlisted in the preschool.

Balancing Play and Learning

Preschool is when your child might go to school for the first time and it is all about play-based learning. Academic skills remain valuable but students should also have adequate time for constructive work and play. Here's how you can support your child's development.

Encourage Exploration

Make sure that your child has a chance to be involved in purposeful free play that will help them to discover their interests and encourage creativity.

Foster Independence

Let your child be independent by allowing him/her to put on his/her clothes, use the washroom and to open the lunch box.

Communicate with Teachers

It is very important that the parent makes time to communicate with the teachers of your child so as to be in a position to know how the child is doing in school and the specific areas that require help.

Continue Learning at Home

Carry out activities at home which relate to what the child learns at preschool for example, reading books, educational games, arts and craft.

Preparing one’s toddler for preschool is a process that is as exciting, thrilling, and at times, comes with a little bit of hitches. Therefore, by selecting the right preschool, assisting your child to cope with the new environment in Preschool, and playing and learning balance, you set your child up for success and give them the best foundation they need to achieve in preschool and throughout their childhood. Remember each child learner is distinct from the other; thus, embrace your learner as he or she struggles through this new phase in life.