Supporting the Transition to School

Whether it is moving, welcoming a new family member, or starting a new school or job, throughout our lives we learn to cope with change and transitions. From talking through concerns with a friend, creating a plan with our partner, or making to-do lists, as adults we use strategies to prepare for transitions and navigate changes. Young children experience many of the same feelings around change as we do as adults, and when we support their transitions intentionally, we help them cope with their feelings as well as helping them build skills and confidence to navigate future transitions.

At the start of each school year, our focus as educators is on developing strong relationships with the children as we support them through the transition to starting school and navigating their transitions throughout the day. Welcoming spaces where the children have morning meeting and go over their visual schedule for the day helps them know what to expect as they adjust to new routines and surroundings. Visual and/or auditory cues before changing activities (such as ringing the wind chime to let children know there are two more minutes to play before the clean-up song comes on) helps prepare children for what is coming next and supports them as they learn to cope with feelings around these shifts.

Just as our educators prepare children for changes throughout the day, parents can help prepare their child for the first day of school by having conversations about what their day will look like and by visiting the school to see their classroom and teachers. Before starting school, we offer our families a social story, a mini book to read with their children with photos and a story that validates feelings they might be experiencing and introduces them to the people who will be there.  It also opens the door for children to share their questions or worries. As your child’s first day approaches, here are a few things you can do to support them:

Prepare for the first day: Just as we might choose an outfit that gives us confidence before starting a new job, being a part of preparing for school can be empowering for children as well! We recommend engaging children in filling their backpack, packing their lunch, or choosing a special lovey to accompany them on their first day.

Lean on rituals: If you’re like me, your day doesn’t really begin until your morning coffee routine is complete. For young children, rituals and routine, especially around drop-off and pick-up can be beneficial in supporting their adjustment to school. Coming up with a special goodbye routine (such as two hugs and a fist bump before waving goodbye) can be comforting to children as they are adjusting to school drop off. Letting children know when you will see them again as you say goodbye, such as, “I can’t wait to have snack with you after I pick you up after school!” can also help ease their separation.

Look to the helpers: Transitions are easier for all of us when we feel confident people are there to support us. Partnering with your child’s school and building a relationship with your child’s teacher can help your child (and you as a parent!) feel more comfortable on your child’s first day. We recommend taking advantage of opportunities to visit your child’s school and classroom with them before the first day and connecting with the teachers to ask questions and share any specific concerns about your child’s transition. Children take cues from their caretakers as they enter new experiences and meet new people, so if you approach your child’s teachers with trust, your child will feel more confident trusting them as well!

As much as you can, remember that transitions are an opportunity for your child to grow and learn life-skills for coping with change! Every child and transition is unique, and if you or your child are struggling, never hesitate to reach out for support. We wish everyone a wonderful start to the school year.

There’s still time to register your child for the 2024-25 school year at one of our ECCs!

Visit whctemple.org/ecc for more information or to schedule a tour.

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