You’ve enrolled your child in preschool and their first day is coming soon. It’s an exciting time, and you want to make sure your little one is prepared for success. According to Kids Data, in California, an estimated 51% of children aged between 3 and 5 were enrolled in preschool or kindergarten in 2021. You may be wondering what exactly your child can expect on that pivotal first day of preschool. Here’s an overview of some of the key things your child is likely to experience.
Meeting the Teacher
One of the first things your child will do on their first day of preschool is meet their teacher. The teacher will welcome your child, likely by name, and help them feel comfortable. The teacher understands that the first day can bring anxiety for both kids and parents, so they aim to ease that transition. Your child will also probably meet any teacher assistants or aides who will be in the classroom. Most preschools maintain a high adult-to-student ratio to ensure plenty of individual guidance.
Getting to Know the Classroom
The teacher will likely give your child a little tour of the classroom, pointing out important areas. This will include where your kid will sit, where backpacks and supplies go, perhaps the reading corner, places for art or building blocks, and more. Knowing their way around the room helps your child gain familiarity with this new environment and feel more ownership of the space. Your kid will also probably have open time to explore, within classroom rules. The classroom setup is designed specifically to engage small children in productive play and learning.
Establishing Routines and Rules
During their first day activities, your child will start learning the predictable routines that structure each preschool day. For example, they may go over what to expect when entering the classroom in the morning, what cleanup time looks like, instructions for lining up, expectations for sitting during story time, and more. They’ll also likely learn basic preschool rules like keeping hands to themselves, taking turns, using walking feet indoors, and following directions the first time they’re given. Having routines and rules provides your child with consistency and a feeling of security.
By the end of the first day, your child will feel excitement about this new adventure called preschool. They can expect a day focused on getting to know their teacher and classmates through play and instruction tailored perfectly for their developmental stage. If you’re looking for a preschool for your child, we invite you to tour our school. Call today Washington Early Childhood Network to schedule an appointment.
