1. Once you know where your child will be attending a preschool program, arrange to visit while the program is still in session. If possible, let you child take part in activities during the visit.
2. Ask the teacher for the first names of other children who will be in the class and mention the names of those children to your child when talking about the new program.
3. Role-play (attending preschool) with your child. Consider using props such as a schoolhouse, school bus, or pictures. Talk about the schedule, activities, snack, and playing with children.
4. Talk positively and reassuringly about the new school experience.
5. Take a photograph of your child while visiting the new setting. Display the photo at home in a place where the child will see it often. Talk about activities or toys the child noticed and seemed to enjoy at the preschool setting.
6. Plan a family excursion to visit the new preschool setting. Ask if it is appropriate to bring brothers and sisters for the visit. This can often help to promote family discussion and help your child feel comfortable.
7. Read stories about children in preschool.
8. Let the teacher and the nurse know your child's likes and dislikes; fears; names of family members including pets; allergies and toilet signals. If your child has a familiar prop, such as a blanket or book, check with the teacher to see if your child can bring it to school.
9. Let your child take a familiar item from home to the new program. It can provide a sense of comfort and security for your child.
10. Label your child's belongings with the same sticker or symbol to help your child
identify his/her belongings in the new classroom.
11. Expect some initial separation anxiety -- yours and your child's.
12. Connect with another family whose child attends the program. The teacher may be
willing to ask families to volunteer to share their telephone numbers so you can speak to other parents prior to the beginning of the program.
13. Find out about the lunch routine, if appropriate. Request to eat in the cafeteria to
become familiar with the routine, noise and numbers of people. Practice the routine at mealtimes.
14. Consider the transportation needs of your child and family in fitting your child's participation in preschool activities into your daily routine. Think of the resources you have available to help with transportation, as well as what you may need help with from the preschool program. Transportation is an area that each family may value in different ways. It may help to review some questions other parents have asked about transportation in Section 14 of this booklet. If your child needs transportation to benefit from preschool special education programs, it must be provided with no cost to the parent.
15. Find out from the new teacher what skills will be helpful for your child in the classroom. Practice new skills as they naturally occur in your home. If your child is having difficulty with a task, break the skills needed into smaller steps to make it easier for him or her.
16. Relax and enjoy the time you have with your child during this special period of your lives.
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