Even if you’ve done it before, we understand how emotional it can be to send your child off to school for the first time! Every child develops differently, and each milestone is unique to them. Knowing if your child is ready for childcare is not always an easy thing to figure out on your on. That is exactly why we are here to share some signs (and some reassurances) from our leadership team to help you decide if your child is ready for this next step.
Separation Confidence
Start off by asking yourself, “Is my child able to tolerate brief periods of separation from me?” It’s perfectly acceptable if they are a little hesitant. The important thing is that they are beginning to understand and learn that you will come back. Our teachers are experts at creating a safe, loving environment for kids to start exploring on their own by providing them with routines, a play-based learning curriculum, and lots of reassurance.
Listening & Following Directions
Progress, not perfection, is what readiness is all about. Your child is off to a great start if they can follow simple instructions like “wash your hands” or “put your toys away.” If you can, try and create opportunities to naturally practice these moments at home. Even reading books like “Eddie Gets Ready for School” and “Ready, Set, It’s Time For School!” are wonderful ways to begin implementing and practicing what it means to follow directions.
On the contrary, if following directions is not your child’s strength, trust us, it is more than okay! That is equally one of the benefits of placing your kiddo in childcare because it allows them to learn these types of skills through play and group activities! Children watching and learning from other children is often one of the best things you can expose your child to.
Routine Ready
Regular routines often give children a sense of security and comfort. Children feel safer and more prepared to learn when daily routines like mealtimes, naps, and bedtimes do not change on a day-to-day basis. Even if you feel that your child’s routine may still be developing, always remember that maintaining consistency at home can help their transition to a structured school day be much easier.
The majority of kids naturally adapt to classroom routines with time and guidance. Even before they fully understand the concept, these regular experiences help kids recognize the rhythm of their day from a young age. They experience what it’s like to anticipate what will happen next, easily adjust to new situations, and learn to find excitement in each little accomplishment along the way.
Finding Their Voice
Early developmental milestones for a child include small but important signs of independence, such as pointing to show they have a need, using simple words, or expressing emotions with facial expressions. Especially after placing your child in a school setting, they start to learn even more about how to interact and communicate with others based on these behaviors. Children gain confidence in their ability to express themselves and interact with both fellow classmates and teachers in their own special ways as they develop these foundational and key life skills.
Your Readiness Matters Too
We are aware that starting childcare is a deeply personal choice. You are essentially entrusting strangers with the most important little human in your life. Always remember that it is beyond normal to feel anxious, scared, overwhelmed, or even feel a way you’ve never felt before. At Celebree School of Glen Burnie, we value open communication and a genuine collaboration between home and school life. Because when parents and teachers work together, incredible things happen!
