Knowing When Your Child Is Ready For Preschool

Congratulations! Your young one is about to step foot in a new chapter of their life.

Pre-school is when your child branches away from the nest for a few hours a day and lives a little more independently. Everyone grows at their own pace, so it's normal for each child to undergo different experiences.

But one thing's for certain: they'll harbour mixed feelings about the thought of entering a fresh learning environment - take Gowrie, for example. It's your job as a parent to make sure that they're going to make it out okay. 

Here are some things to consider as your child takes on preschool.

What to Expect of Your Child?

On the day that you drop your child off at preschool, it's normal for them to react in one of two ways:

They might be a little apprehensive about leaving home. They'll try and hide this by smiling and waving as you walk away from their classroom. The teacher will usually tell them not to worry, but they'll still have a little bit of trouble keeping it together during the first couple of days.

The second way is a more optimistic situation. If they've been in a child care or playgroup before, the transition won't be as hard for them. They won't be as worried about leaving home because they've already gotten used to the idea of being away from you.

Watch their behaviour during your first few visits. If they're sad to see you leave, maybe it's best if you stay a little longer. On the other hand, if they're having fun and resisting, feel free to depart and pick them up later. Some children are a little worried about leaving their parents at first, but after the first day, they'll be excited to make new friends and explore everything there is to uncover on their own.

Try not to push your child to be anything that they're not ready or willing to handle. If they're anxious about something, that's perfectly normal. Don’t dismiss their worries and fears, but don’t also don't jump too far ahead of yourself by trying to rush them into it before they're comfortable with their new home.

Things to Consider

As your child is just past their toddler years, it's normal for their child development to be differently paced than other children in the same cohort. Consider these things to gauge their preschool readiness:

Can They Comprehend Verbal Speech and Instructions?

3-year olds aren't expected to have perfect speech, but they should be able to understand simple sentences and commands. They should be able to understand when you tell them to put their shoes on, but they might not be able to know how to call out the names of colours or numbers unless they're a very quick learner.

Is Your Child Comfortable Separating From You?

They're still more than likely going to be uncomfortable leaving your side when you drop them off for the first time. If they're fine with being by themselves for a bit, that's a good sign that they'll adjust well to pre-school.

How Does Your Child React to New People and Faces?

If they seem afraid or uneasy around other children or teachers, they might need a little push to be more comfortable. Learning social skills can help tremendously, and preschool facilities do aid in developing a child's social skills. If you're worried about their social readiness, attend a children's playgroup, set up a playdate in a park, or try to find ways to allow your child to practice socializing with other kids their age.

What to Do if Your Child Is Worried About Preschool?

There's no reason to worry about your child’s transition if it isn't going well. If your child is having a hard time accepting preschool, there are ways you can try and make them feel more comfortable with their new environment.

Talk to Childcare Providers First 

Try speaking with teachers or administrators at the facility so that they have an idea of how your child is feeling. It's important to give them as much information as you can so that they can help create a more comfortable experience for your child.

Encourage Them to Play

If you notice that your child isn't warming up to their new environment, try encouraging them to participate in play activities with other children. This will get them a little more acquainted with their cohort and will help them feel like they're a part of the gang.

Keep Wait Time Short

Try to pick your child up as soon as you can when you first get there. They might be more willing to stay for longer periods if they know that you're coming back for a little while later on.

Praise Their Achievements

Praise your child for their day's accomplishments, like talking to a new friend or cleaning after themselves. Studies show reinforcing your child's behaviour helps mould it to become more prosocial.

What to Do if Your Child Doesn’t Want to Go to Preschool Anymore?

While excitement and novelty can inspire them to go on for the first few days, they might lose interest and make it more difficult to engage them into going.

Here are some tips to get them back to the groove:

Talk with Your Child

Get an understanding of their qualms. It's crucial to talk positively about preschool to ignite their enthusiasm again. Practice empathy and utilise child-friendly body language as well.

Talk to the Facility

Teachers are well-trained in child psychology and can be a valuable resource and help for crafting a fun experience for your child. They may also have more information than your child's willing to disclose, so it's a good idea to meet with them from time to time.

Establish a Routine

A good-bye, drop-off routine, visiting their favourite restaurant every Friday, or asking what's in tomorrow's agenda every night can introduce a change to encourage them to express interest again.