Regardless of all the wonderful pre primary schools Cape Town has to offer, your child’s first day at preschool can be a daunting thought.

You have carefully selected which pre primary school your child will attend but have you prepared yourself and your child for this momentous day?

Some may say that nothing can truly prepare you for what this day may have in store for you, just like nothing can completely prepare you for all the other aspects of parenthood.

However, there are some things that our preschool teachers have found to greatly minimise the stress factor on your child’s first day. Adequate preparation can help you focus on the finer details when that scary first day arrives.

A child’s first day of school is not only scary for them. It is an extremely significant day for the parents too.

Suddenly your child is no longer at home with you for most or all of the day and there is a daily routine that must be adapted to.

Valuable tips from our preschool teachers

Your child’s first day need not be a scary one. In fact, it is an extremely special day and should be treated as such. These tips help you ease the anxiety attached to the first day of school.

• Talk to your child about school far in advance. Allow your child to express any fears or ask any questions and make sure they understand how important education is.
• Reassure your child that they are going to be safe in someone else’s care and that you will be there to fetch them when school is done.
• Begin at least a month or two before school starts to implement a bed time and wake up routine and gradually ease your child into it. By doing this, your child will not feel shocked by the sudden change in routine. One less thing to adapt to.
• Take your child to their school to show them what it looks like. Point out all the exciting parts about it such as sport fields or art classes. If there is an open day, make sure you and your child attend.
• When shopping for all the required stationary, take your child with and allow her to pick out what she would like.
• Give your child a personal belonging such as a photograph, or something else that is special to you so that your child can have something familiar with them.
• Think of a way to say “goodbye” and use that every time you part with your child. Sticking to the same method every time is a way of being consistent and also prevents any room for distraction or lengthy, tearful goodbyes.

Although these tips are extremely valuable and provide an effective way to ease your child into their first day and years of school, it is important to always stick to what is best for you and your child.

Kay-Dee - Pre-Primary School Cape Town

Kay-Dee Educare Centre also provides a wonderful aftercare service for your pre-schooler. We do our very best to ensure that your child receives personalised care and assistance in any area that they require.

For more information about our curriculum or to find out more about enrolment for 2019, please contact us.