A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare In The Summer For Your Toddler To Start Preschool

Summer is winding down, and many parents might be wondering how to prepare their toddler for preschool. If this is your little one's first time being away from Mom and Dad, this transition to preschool can be very nerve-wracking for caregivers and toddlers alike!

Here's a quick snapshot of what you can do this summer to start preparing your little one for success in school:

• Talk to your child about the new routine before school starts in the fall.

• Try to find time to meet their teachers and even other kids who will be in your child's class.

• Make sure your child is potty trained (if required).

• Make a checklist of everything you need to pack, including nap time essentials, comfort items, and lunches.

Preparing Your Child for Preschool 

How can parents help their little one make this big transition? Start during the summer!

Get your toddler ready for school by establishing a consistent morning routine during the summer. Instead of staying up late and sleeping in, prepare your little one to get up at the same time every day. Get your kids used to waking up at a certain time in the morning and getting ready to start the day. Their teachers will appreciate not having exhausted kids at drop-off!

Encourage your child to lead the morning routine. Let them pick out their clothes, allow them to choose the snacks for their lunch, or let them choose a few new books to read in the morning as they get ready.

Make sure your kids get adequate sleep before the start of school. Having a consistent bedtime routine, nap time routine, and wake-up routine can be especially helpful for young children who thrive on knowing what to expect. Well-rested kids equal happy, confident kids!

If your little one is nervous, talk to them about what to expect on the first day of school and walk them through what that day might look like. You can even make a point to meet their teacher ahead of time and visit the school campus before school starts for the year. Some schools even host family meetups, where children can meet other kids who will go to the same program.

Establishing a Morning Routine

A big part of school is following a schedule. Putting a schedule in place during the summer before school starts can help your child acclimate to following a daily routine. Practice the wake-up routine several days (or weeks, or months) before the start of the school year so your child can learn the rhythm.

In addition to putting a schedule in place, it's important to make it fun! You can listen to music together, sing a special song, practice going to the bathroom and brushing your teeth, and putting clothes on. To make your lives easier for school mornings, set out your child's clothes the night before.

Building Independence and Self-Help Skills

Preschool is a big change, and your toddler will learn to develop their independence and social skills over time. Encourage your toddler to practice self-help skills, including putting clothes on and going to the bathroom by themselves.

Of course, some skills are easier to learn than others. Over time, you can help your toddler learn how to put on their own shoes, put on their jacket, wear a hat, or fasten the ties on their shoes.

You might also want to reenact potential "school day" scenarios, like sharing toys with another child, sitting at the table to eat snacks and lunch, and sitting down to listen to somebody read a book. You will want to pack containers in your child's lunch that they are able to open and close on their own.

Practicing Self-Help Abilities

Here are a few things you'll want your children to know before starting preschool:

• Using a water bottle and taking sips from it.

• Using a nap mat and blanket during quiet time/nap time.

• Putting away toys and books after playtime.

• Using the toilet and wash their hands after using it.

Check with the preschool if your child needs to be potty trained to attend, and if not, ask how many diapers you need to pack for them. In the weeks leading up to school, talk with your child about having other adults change them and help them use the bathroom independently.

Eating from a Lunch Box

It can be helpful for a parent to help their child learn to eat from a lunch box.

• Practice eating from a lunch box at home to help your child get used to it.

• Get your child excited for preschool by letting them pick a new lunch box.

• Encourage your child to explore new foods and snacks.

• Teach your child how to open and close the lunch box and how to use a straw.

• Check with the school to see if any meals are provided.

Preparing for the Preschool Environment

Try to plan a visit to the school beforehand.

Visit the preschool with your child before the first day to help them get familiar with the setting. Sometimes schools will have an orientation the week before the program starts.

Try to meet with the teachers beforehand.

Meet the child’s teacher and ask them about their teaching style and classroom routine. Encourage your toddler to ask questions and express their feelings about starting preschool, whether they are excited or anxious. Talk to your child about the preschool program and what they can expect to learn.

Emotional Preparation 

Going to school is a big change in a toddler's world. Validate their emotions and offer reassurance that it’s okay to feel scared or nervous. Encourage your child to express their feelings through art or play. Role-play different scenarios that may arise in the preschool setting, such as saying bye-bye to mom or dad.

Addressing Their Fears

Listen to your child’s worries and address them in a calm, reassuring manner. Encourage your child to ask questions and ask for help. Practice coping skills such as deep breathing and counting. Remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes in life, and that they can always try again.

Simulating the Preschool Experience 

Set up a play school at home to help your child get used to the preschool setting, encouraging your child to use their manners like saying please and thank you.

Role-play different scenarios that may arise in the preschool setting, such as sharing toys with other children and following classroom rules.

Play "School" at Home

If your child is nervous about going to school, set up a pretend play school at home!

Set up a pretend classroom with a backpack, tables, chairs, art supplies, and educational materials. Practice singing songs and reading books together. Encourage your child to use their imagination and creativity during play.

You can take turns being the teacher and student to help your child get used to following directions in a group setting.

Final Preparations 

Make sure your child’s backpack is packed with all the necessary supplies, including a lunch box, water bottle, and an extra set of clothes. Pack a few comfort items in your child's backpack, if the school allows.

Give your child a big hug and a kiss goodbye to help them feel more secure. Remind your child that you’ll be there to pick them up after school and that they’ll have a great time.

On the first day of preschool:

• Arrive at the preschool early to help your child get settled.

• Encourage your child to say goodbye to you and hello to their teacher. Don't try to sneak out without saying goodbye to your child.

• Take a few pictures to capture the moment and create a special memory.

• Remind your child that they’re brave, that they’ll have a great time in preschool, and that you will be back to pick them up when the time comes.

Starting preschool is a big milestone for families 

Starting preschool is a big milestone for both you and your child. By following these steps, you can help your child feel more prepared and confident for their first day of preschool.

The first week (or weeks) might be rough, so don't set unrealistic expectations. Preschool is a wonderful place for kids to learn social skills in a safe environment where they are surrounded by encouraging, trusted adults.

Remember to try to stay calm and patient, and to offer encouragement and support when needed. With time and practice, your toddler will thrive in their new preschool environment and make many new friends along the way!