How to Say Goodbye

Saying goodbye when your child starts preschool can tug at your heartstrings, but here are some tips to make the transition smoother:

1. Get them excited to come to preschool, even before you arrive. If they sense your nervousness, it might make them a bit anxious too.

2. Introduce them to their teacher and encourage them to explore the classroom.

3. When it's time to say goodbye, do it with warmth: give your child a loving hug and a kiss, then leave confidently, even if they get a bit teary-eyed. Our experienced teachers are pros at comforting and helping them settle in, and we've noticed that lingering in the room can sometimes make the goodbye more challenging. 

Rest assured, we keep the communication lines open. If your child seems unhappy for an extended period, we'll give you a heads-up, and you can always call to check on them. It's completely normal for younger kids, especially toddlers, to take a week or two to get used to the new routine.

Even if your child seems busy playing, it's still a good idea to say your goodbyes. It helps build trust in your parent-child relationship. And if you think your child might have a tough time adjusting, consider leaving them for shorter periods during the first week, or even just the first few days. Sometimes, children have an amazing first day but need a bit more time to adjust on subsequent days, and that's perfectly okay. Our main goal is to make this transition as smooth and comforting as possible for both you and your child as they start this exciting child care adventure.

How to Greet Your Child When You Pick Them Up

As your child settles into the preschool routine, you might notice that they sometimes resist leaving, especially when they're caught up in a favorite activity.  Many kids find it a bit tricky to switch gears, and that's perfectly normal.

In these moments, it's a good idea to give your child a transition warning.  For example, you can say to your child, "We will leave in 3 minutes." While it can be frustrating when they aren't quite ready to leave, it's actually a sign that your child is genuinely enjoying their time at preschool. It means they are having so much fun and are so engrossed in what they're doing that they don't want to leave which is a reassuring sign that your child is having a blast while learning and growing with us.