The transition from child care to kindergarten can be scary for children. Entering a new school with unfamiliar faces can produce terror and clinging in a youngster who was happy and independent in child care. There are things you can do to make the adjustment easier.

Months Before Kindergarten
You can help your child prepare by focusing on:

Physical Well-Being - Be sure your child eats nutritious meals and gets plenty of sleep and exercise. Regular medical care and immunizations are important. Regular dental check-ups should begin at age three.

Social and Emotional Preparations - Children are often not socially and emotionally mature when they enter kindergarten, but it is important that they have an opportunity to begin developing confidence, motivation, independence, curiosity, persistence, cooperation self-control and empathy.

You can help your child by setting good examples (e.g. treating everyone with respect and sharing). You child will also know if you have a positive attitude toward learning and school. Encourage self-reliance to foster independence. Provide chances for your child to socialize with other children and adults who are not family members.

Language and General Knowledge - It is important for children to learn to solve problems and communicate with others. You can help foster these skills by providing opportunities to play, answering questions and listening to your child. Reading aloud and monitoring television viewing are also important.

Weeks Before School Begins

• Visit the school where your child will be attending. Walk around the playground and, if possible, meet with the teacher.
• Participate in any activities the school offers during the summer.
• If you know of other children who will be in your child’s class, arrange a play date. Your child will feel more secure on the first day if he or she knows someone in the class.
• Begin a “school” schedule for bed-time and wake-up routines.
• Visit the library and check out books about going to school.
• Go shopping for school supplies.

When School Begins

Your child may show some signs of stress including changes in sleeping and eating habits, being unusually quiet, and clinging when it is time for you to leave.

• These signs normally disappear after your child has been in school a few weeks.
• Talk about school with your child. Be there to answer questions and ask about the school day. What did your child do and learn and like about school? Be positive and stay interested.
• Display school work where people can see it.

Tips For Older Children
Older children are able to adapt to school and classes more easily. There may still be some signs of stress, but by the time children are in second or third grade, going to school leads to excitement rather than apprehension.

As children enter middle school, adjusting to a new schedule, a variety of teachers, and a different social scene can be overwhelming. Students are suddenly responsible for being organized and getting to class on time.

• Help your child become organized by buying school supplies such as ring binders and notebooks which allow a student to keep everything needed in each class together.
• Be aware of your child’s school performance. Many children think it is socially limiting to be “too smart.” Provide positive examples on how to succeed academically and socially. Encourage your child to become involved in student activities and organizations.
• Teach your child how to communicate concerns to a teacher. State concerns with the focus on how the child can help the situation. (e.g. “ I want to do better in this class and I am having difficulties preparing for the tests. What can I do differently to prepare?” rather than “Your tests cover too much material for me to learn in such a short time.”)
• Continue to stay involved in your child’s school. Participate in the PTA or other activities.
• Let your child know you will be there for help if it is needed. Pre-teens may begin to rebel against you or feel embarrassed to be with you, but they need to know they have your love and support.