tips for starting preschool
How Preschool may first appear to your child
A new world with exciting things to do?
A new world rather bewildering and frightening so that their desire is to get away from it as soon as possible?
Pleasant companions with whom to share experiences?
Strange children who are overwhelming in their rush of movement, loud voices and exuberance?
A friendly teacher whom the child feels they can trust? An unfamiliar grown-up whom they regard with suspicion and with whom they will need time for her to prove her reliability and friendly support?
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Some children see it one way, some another, but all need understanding and support when they first begin.
How can parents help to make this new world a happy place for their child
​You have accepted a place a Beacon Hill Community Kindergarten! What do you do next as a parent? We always encourage parents to start the conversations optimistically...."You'll be going to Beacon Hill Community Kindergarten soon. There are interesting things to do there". Or "Your friend ......... goes to the Kindergarten so you'll be able to play together when you go too".

Don't ever use the Preschool or a teacher as a threat eg; "You won't be able to do that when you go to Preschool". But also don't build it up so that it sounds like a combination of Christmas and birthday party.

Walk past the Preschool when the children are playing outside. Attend orientation morning in October/November with your child. Find out if anyone you know is attending so you can arrange play dates prior to commencement.
All these small things in the lead up can make the biggest differences when it comes time to start at Preschool!
