Sending your child to day care or preschool for the first time can be a difficult adjustment. To make the process easier, we interviewed some educational professionals across Northern Virginia about strategies for how to prepare for this transition.
Jessica Roberts: Director, Happy Faces Daycare, Centreville
How can you tell if your child is ready for day care?
Your child may be ready for day care when he/she is able to start understanding and follow routines, they are interested in learning, they crave interaction from other children (especially to children close in age to themselves), and they are independent with some tasks. Each child is different, so finding the right center that can help your child flourish is crucial to having a successful first day care experience.
What are some questions parents should ask when touring or researching day cares?
Parents should ask: What is the teacher-to-child ratio? How many children are in that particular classroom? What is the curriculum, and how is communication given to parents about daily activities and their child’s specific developmental needs? How do the teachers help strengthen a child’s social, emotional, and academic needs while nurturing their skills through play? One big question to ask is what the school’s philosophy when it comes to education, play, and discipline is, so once their child is enrolled, parents can observe if this in fact is evident by how their child’s reaction is daily.
What are some ways that the right day care can set a child up for success?
The right day care for your child will help them grow in both emotional and academic areas. If your child is coming home and talking about their day (what they did, what they learned, who they played with), and they are sharing with you what they are learning when it comes to songs, arts and crafts, story time, hands-on learning activities, how they engage with their teacher(s), etc., then you know your child is enjoying their time at their day care and they are developing important skills for kindergarten and the years to come. Day cares that provide a caring, loving, and nurturing environment aside from academics alone will help to create lifelong learners.
Amy Young: Childhood Education Coordinator at Loudoun County Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services (Dulles South Recreation and Community Center)
How can you tell if a day care or preschool is a good fit for your child?
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right program for your child: quality assurance, intentional relationships, and qualified staff committed to providing the best care. First, as an advocate for your child, it is important to utilize the resources and information the state provides on quality programming. Research centers that have high ratings with the state quality rating system, VQB5. Second, learning is fostered through positive relationships. Finding a program where staff take the time to build authentic, intentional relationships with you and your child is one of the most important factors to consider. Finally, choose a program where the staff are given opportunities to learn and grow in their profession. Ask questions about their qualifications, the support they receive, and the trainings that are provided for them to enhance their skills. A growth mindset leads to positive culture.
How can you prepare your child in the days or weeks leading up to their first day?
Communicate with your child about their school. If your child is anxious about the first day, listen to their concerns and lead with empathy. Begin practicing how to meet new friends and build those friendships. Transitions in the morning can be challenging at first, so develop a secret handshake that you can do with your child at drop off each morning.
What is your advice for parents beginning the process of enrolling their child in preschool or day care?
Arrange a time to meet with the teachers and tour the facility with your child. Inquire about any orientation days or open houses they might host. Each child is unique, share information about your child with the teachers: their interests, their relationship with other family members, any challenges they may have. Remember it is okay to ask questions. What does their guidance policy look like, what is the daily schedule, what curriculum do they use, and how do they partner with families to support children in their program?
Sarah Jennings: Program Coordinator, Bright Mind Preschool, Alexandria
What are some questions a parent can ask while touring a preschool?
What would a typical day look like for my child? How does your school communicate with parents? What are the qualifications of the staff?
What should parents look for in a curriculum?
The best schools offer a balance of student- and teacher-led activities with regular, age-appropriate offerings in a wide variety of areas such as art, literacy, and math while building social-emotional and self-help skills.
How can parents deal with first-day jitters (for the parent and the child)?
Arrange to visit the school again a day or two before the first day and if possible, leave your child’s water bottle, extra clothes, etc., at the school. Talk about the school and teacher(s) by name using positive language. Remind your child that you will always come back.
What skills will kids learn in preschool that will prepare them for education?
Aside from making huge academic leaps, children can build independence, resiliency, cooperation, leadership, empathy, and a host of other social skills.
Feature image of children in day care and preschool by stock.adobe.com
This story originally ran in our August issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
