Welcome New and Returning Families!
We’re thrilled you’ve chosen us for your child’s first school experience! For many of you, this marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with goodbyes in the morning. Whether this is your first, second, or third child, every goodbye is unique! Most children will navigate their initial separation anxiety within the first few weeks; however, it can resurface due to changes in routine, such as moving, a new sibling, illness, vacations, or visitors. Some children may appear all smiles during what we call the “honeymoon phase,” only to cling to you a few days later, while others may walk into the classroom without hesitation. All reactions are perfectly normal.
We are here to partner with you to meet your child’s needs and support your family through this transition. You know your child best, so please share what comforts and interests them! With years of experience, we have some helpful tips to ensure a smoother transition from home to school:
Embracing Change: Tips for Parents
Understand that separation is a process. It will take time for your child to feel at ease in this new environment with unfamiliar faces, but rest assured they will adjust. If concerns arise, please reach out to us—we are here to support you!
Encourage independence
Allow your child to walk into the school each day. This reinforces that they are in the “big kid” zone.
Stay positive and calm
Your child can sense your emotions, so it’s important to project confidence when saying goodbye. As challenging as it may be, your strength will help them settle more quickly. It might also be helpful to connect with a friend who has gone through this for support. If you have difficulty, please come to our office, where we will gladly offer you tea or coffee, share some tips, check in on your child, and report back to you.
Send in a comfort item
Some children benefit from a special “lovey” (like a blanket or soft toy) and are encouraged to bring it along to help ease the separation process. Send in a family photo that they can hold.
Establish a goodbye routine
Creating a personal ritual can help ease the transition. Keep it simple. When it’s time to leave, say something like, “I am going to work while you play. Your teachers are here to help. I’ll see you after lunch. I can’t wait to see your pictures and talk with you about your day!” Avoid bargaining or asking your child for permission to leave, and remember not to sneak away; such actions can undermine your child’s trust.
Don’t rush back
If your child cries or protests as you walk away, resist the urge to intervene immediately. Running back may signal to them that they can’t trust their teachers. Our teachers are trained to help manage these feelings, and children typically calm down within minutes.
Check in after you leave
If you would like to find out how your child is doing, feel free to message the school after 20-30 minutes. The best way to do this is to call our office. We will go peek, take a photo, and call you back.
Arrive early for pick-up
Being a few minutes early will help your child feel secure; if they don’t see you when expected, they may be more reluctant to let you go in the future.
What to expect from our ECC teachers
Extra TLC
We have enough staff available to provide extra comfort and support, whether that means holding hands, carrying children, or sharing a lap during activities like singing or reading.
Validate feelings
We acknowledge and affirm your child’s emotions and assist them in expressing these feelings through words or drawings, when appropriate. We incorporate books and songs that address starting school and separation, empowering children to confront their worries.
Brightwheel messages
The teachers will be taking photos and recording videos. They will share these, along with a message during nap time each day.
We’ll stay in close touch to share updates on your child’s progress, and we encourage parents to discuss any changes at home so we can support your child’s development and evolving needs throughout the year. With the right support, children can thrive in their new academic setting, paving the way for a successful year of learning and growth. Each transition offers an opportunity for exploration, and families can work together to make this journey meaningful and positive.