Starting preschool soon

I am so very excited that Piper and Cricket will be starting full time preschool on February 1st. They'll go to a local Montessori school from 8am - 3pm Monday through Friday. Both DH and I work full time and we've had a wonderful nanny for two years. She's leaving to go back to school, and we decided the time was right to put the girls into a school situation. This is going to be so much fun. But also so scary. And nerve wracking.

I need advice! Stories! Things to think about! Words to the wise!

How did your home to daycare/preschool transitions go? Anything you'd do differently? Any tips on how to hustle two slow-moving toddlers out of the house each morning? Ideas on how to communicate with the school without being a nuisance?

I don't even know all of the questions to ask... but please help! Tell me everything...

(much thanks in advance, Tricia)

 

Hey! Your post just reminded me that I owe you an email. I'm running out the door, but I'll be back to tell you everything I know about preschool, LOL.

But, don't fret. From what I know of your girls, they will do great!

 

Anyone? Please... ?

 

We didn't do the transition; however, my children did start preschool this year. The best advice I can give is drop and run;don't linger around their classroom. If you have questions for the teacher then ask if their is an email address or telephone number where you can reach her.

Good luck!

 

We haven't done this yet. All I can say is :hug:

 

I'm no help - I have all the same questions for preschool starting in the fall. Hope it's a great experience for you guys!! :good:

 

Hi I haven't posted in like forever but had to post to support you as your send your little ones off to school. I wound up sending Amy and Matthew on October 2nd because I had such cold feet narrowing down which well regarded school I would send them to. But their first day was a breeze. I took them on the 2 tours I went on. They had also been to all of the other prospective schools. I really liked when the schools would let my children join right in while I chatted with the director and took a tour. If you did that and your girls resist leaving you don't think that is a sign that they will not separate when it is their turn.

Definitely do the drop and run. It is really best.

My kids school sends a daily cute report sheet about the days activities, how much of the lunch I sent got eaten and a pee and poop update. That made me feel connected. I read them before I even pull out of the parking lot. I drop off and pick up. The teacher doesn't seem to mind chatting either time but I try not to stop and chat each time. I don't want to take advantage. I have stayed behind a few times when other new students had their first day. The teachers really do know so many way to help/distract/ calm any child who may be teary eyed.

I tried to prepare my kids by talking about and driving by schools, watching Barney play school video and leaving them at my gym play room for progressively longer periods of time. The gym play room helped the most I think.

Well, hope that helps. Good luck

 

Yeah, no advice here yet. The boys start Mother's Day Out in a couple of weeks for the first time. I'm nervous, but they've always done well when we take them to the nursery on Sunday mornings, so I don't think the start of their day will be different. I'm wondering how they'll do as they day goes on since they've never been anywhere for that long, but I guess we'll see! You'll have to let us know how it goes!

 

1. Drop and go, much easier for everyone
2. Don't hold them going in, much more difficult to peel off a child you are holding then one (or 2) already standing up.
3. Try not to show your worries, they will definitely pick up on it.
4. Have as much ready the night before as possible. We often did breakfast in the car in order to get to work on time.
5. Ask the teachers when is it best to chat, some will talk to you whenever but others really have times they prefer.
6. Be ready for the first day drop off to go well and then, they know the deal and it may get more difficult.
7. The Kissing Hand is a good book to read to them.
8. Write out anything you will feel better knowing the teachers will have access to - likes, fears, naptime needs, potty training status, food issues, etc.
9. They will have a blast. My DS1 went to preschool at 2.5 and did really well and transitioning to new things was not his strong point.
Good luck!!!