You want the best for your child, including the best educational advantages. That's why you've chosen to start your child in a pre-kindergarten program. The early exposure to education will give them a head start when it's time to start with mandatory education programs. If your child is apprehensive about leaving you – even for a few hours a day – it can be difficult to get them excited about school. Here are four simple steps you can take to help your child adjust to a pre-kindergarten program.  

Enlist the Help of a Friend

It can be difficult to start a new program when you don't know anyone. If your child is apprehensive about not knowing people at their new school, try to enlist the help of a friend. If you have friends with children about the same age as yours, find out where they send their children for pre-kindergarten. A buddy system will make it easier for your child to adjust to the changes.

Start Slow

If you're not sure how your child will do being dropped off on the first day. Start slow. Arrange to do a "drop-in" prior to the first day of your child's new program. During the drop-in session, you and your child can take a tour, meet the teachers, and become acquainted with some of the children that your child will be interacting with each day. By introducing your child to the environment slowly, you can help facilitate an easier transition into a full-time pre-kindergarten program.

Stay Connected

If your child has never spent any significant amount of time away from you, they may need a way to stay connected with you while they're away from you during the day. Laminate a small family picture and put it in their backpack or pencil box. They'll feel more secure knowing that they have a reminder of you nearby.

Get the Teacher Involved

If your child suffers from separation anxiety, get the teacher involved. The teacher may be able to get your child involved in activities that will help them develop a student/teacher bond. Your child may have an easier time adjusting to their new routine if they have a special assignment in the classroom.

If your child is having a hard time adjusting to life away from you, don't despair. Use the simple steps provided above to help your child adjust to their new pre-kindergarten program (click here for additional info). Be sure to speak to their teacher if they continue to have a difficult time dealing with the changes.