As parents, we want the best for our children, especially during their early, formative, impressionable years. It’s only natural to feel nervous about sending your toddler to preschool, but rest assured this is an important step to take in order to allow them to keep up their emotional, social and intellectual growth in an environment beyond the home. While toddlers seem so small and so new to the world, this bedrock stage is one of the most critical periods for their development – there is a reason why it is referred to as the foundation phase!
A Blend of Fun, Learning, and Growth: the many benefits of why sending your toddler to preschool is the right choice – for your whole family.
Building Social Skills
Humans are social beings. Toddlers thrive in environments where they can interact with their peers, and school provides a structured setting where children can engage with others, who most likely come from different backgrounds and cultures. Children will learn to share and take turns, regulate and develop empathy by observing and responding to others’ emotions and, practice communication skills by expressing their needs and ideas.
These early social experiences are invaluable for helping children build relationships and understand the world around them, as well as their place in it… skills they will require in order to succeed at ‘big school’ and in life.
Establishing a Routine
We all feel secure when we know what to expect. Our little ones are no different, they thrive on routine. Preschool introduces them to a structured day, including set times for activities, snacks, bathroom routines, naps, and transitions between tasks. Additionally, it creates stability, which can ease separation anxiety and help little ones feel more confident in their ability to navigate the world beyond their home and family.
Fostering Independence
In a preschool setting, toddlers learn to perform simple tasks on their own, like putting on their shoes, feeding themselves, going to the bathroom independently or tidying up toys. Being able to do these basic human tasks, along with being able to make choices and boosting their decision-making skills will go a long way in developing self-confidence as they learn to navigate new challenges without constant parental (or any adult) assistance.
These moments of independence are small but mighty steps toward self-reliance.
Encouraging Cognitive Development
Toddler activities are designed to spark curiosity and foster a love of learning. Activities such as creative expression, sensory play, storytime and cognitive skills enhancements like puzzles and blocks, help children develop problem-solving skills in addition to enhancing language and early literacy. Furthermore, it improves fine and gross motor skills through hands-on activities.
Exposure to these experiences during the early years lays the groundwork for academic success.
Promoting Emotional Growth
Toddlers learn with real life examples to identify and manage their emotions in a school environment. With guidance from teachers, they have the opportunity to practice coping strategies for big emotions such as anger, frustration and excitement. They will learn to navigate conflicts with peers as they build resilience in the face of new situations.
These emotional skills are crucial for their overall well-being.
Supporting Parents
Let’s not forget about parents! Having your toddler in school provides you with valuable time to focus on your work, personal self-care and hobbies, your partner and family or getting those pesky errands that never seem to fit into your week, done. Partnering with teachers gives you insights into your child’s development and ways to support them at home.
Sending your little one to school might feel like such a big step, (for parents and children alike) but it’s a necessary step that brings countless benefits.
Some practical ways in which to prepare for school could include:
Start with Short Separations
If your child isn’t used to being away from you, practice short separations—like leaving them with a trusted friend or family member for a short time. Gradually increasing the duration can help them adjust.
Visit the School Together
Familiarising you and your child with their new environment can ease everyone’s anxiety. Schedule a visit so they can meet their teachers and explore the classroom before the first day.
Establish a Goodbye Routine
A consistent and positive goodbye routine (like a hug and a special phrase) reassures your child that you’ll return. Keep goodbyes short and sweet to prevent prolonging separation anxiety.
Read Books About Starting School
Stories about characters going to school can help toddlers understand what to expect.
Talk About School in a Positive Way
Avoid emphasising fears. Instead, talk about the fun activities they’ll do, new friends they’ll make, and exciting things they’ll learn. Keep the conversation light and reassuring.
Prepare a Comfort Item
Some schools allow children to bring a small comfort item (like a favorite stuffed animal or a family photo) to help them feel more secure in a new environment.
Maintain a Consistent Routine
Establish a morning and bedtime routine that mimics the school schedule. Having predictable mealtimes, nap times, and wake-up times will make the transition smoother.
Acknowledge Feelings and Offer Reassurance
If your child expresses fear or anxiety, validate their feelings by saying, “I know starting school feels new and different, but you will have so much fun and I will always come back to pick you up.”
Manage Your Own Anxiety
Children pick up on their parents’ emotions. If you’re anxious, try to stay calm and confident about the transition. Trust in the process, and remember that most children adjust quickly!
It’s natural to feel hesitant about sending your toddler to preschool. Will my child feel overwhelmed? What if my child gets sick? Will they miss me? Separation anxiety is common but temporary. Teachers work closely with parents to ease this transition, ensuring children (and parents) feel safe and supported. An open channel of communication between home and school is a way to alleviate these very normal feelings about separating with your little one.
Sending your toddler to preschool is a significant milestone—for both you and your child. It’s a chance for them to grow, learn, make friends and come into their own, all in a nurturing environment. At EarlyBird, we recognise this important milestone, and commit to not only supporting your little one, but our parents, who entrust us with the very important task of rearing their most precious ones.
At EarlyBird, from the start of the day, when you are warmly greeting at school by your child’s teacher and principal, to the 21st century classroom, filled with curriculum aligned activities and an array of resources and materials to engage your child, to the well trained and professionally developed teachers, who instill the joy of learning throughout the day, you little one has everything they need to be successful and happy. Until you and your little one are reunited at the end of a day, you can rest at ease knowing your little one is cared for and educated. This is what truly sets EarlyBird above any traditional day care!
As they take these first steps into the world of education, they’re not just learning their shapes or how to count; they’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, confidence, and connection.
So, take that leap. Your toddler is ready for school—and so are you!
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