10 Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Preschoolers

Start a successful school year—and keep it going!

1. If you and your child have fallen out of your bedtime routine this summer, get back into a solid routine! A week before the first day of school is a good time frame in which to begin.

2. Plan and shop for healthy breakfasts and lunches a week in advance. This will save you precious time and prevent much stress in the long run!

3. Accidents happen! Prepare a change of clothes in advance, and bring it with you on the first day of school for your child’s teacher to keep in the classroom.

4. If possible, arrange play dates with other parents of preschoolers, or find out if your local library or community center offers free events for young children. Spending time with other children will help your child’s social and emotional development and prepare her for the school environment.

5. Connect with other parents and students on the first day back to preschool. Introduce yourself and your child. Bring a show-and-tell item to break the ice, or a snack to share with the class.

6. Be prepared for tears. Smile, stay positive, and maintain a calm demeanor when your child is having a hard time saying goodbye. If you start to panic, your child will pick up on your doubt.

7. Support early literacy by reading to your child every day. As she grows older, ask that she read to you.

8. Keep books everywhere—in the car, in the kitchen, and anywhere you spend time. Make special weekend trips to the library to freshen up the collection.

9. Parents involvement in school is important—even in preschool! Talk to your child’s preschool teacher (or child-care provider) regularly about his educational and social development.

10. Preschools and childcare centers often host parent and family activities; attend these as often as possible to help your child begin bonding to the educational system.

FIRST TIMERS

Back to School: Tips and Tries for Preschoolers
By Ossining Children's Center
It’s August - the time of year when our attention turns from summer fun activities to preparing children to enter school for the first time, or return to a new level.


Ossining Children’s Center, the not-for-profit early education center in Ossining, NY, would like to make the transition easier for parents and children and offers tips and tries to make September’s entry to preschool as painless and exciting as possible.


FIRST TIMERS-3 Tips for preparing your child for preschool:


Begin talking about the new pre-school/day care center in August. Talk about what the child can expect including teachers, other children, games, etc.


Take the child to visit the center and meet the teachers


Make practice runs to the school – if possible – 2 weeks before the first day to get the child accustomed to the new schedule and familiar with the school itself


If possible, make a play date with another youngster entering the school


Get a book about school at the local library and read it to your child.


WHAT TO PACK - 5 Items to include in your child’s backpack:


1. Especially for first-time children, pack a picture of yourself with the child.


2. A full change of clothes


3. Any medical information the school may need including pediatrician’s phone number and medical issues the child has


4. A plastic, waterproof folder for teachers to send notes and information home in


5. Transitional object, i.e. a favorite stuffed toy or blanket


WHAT NOT TO PACK – Items that could cause problems:

1. Toys


2. Candy, gum, soda, food


HOW TO MAKE THE TRANSITION WITH YOUR CHILD:


1. Plan to spend part of the first morning with your child, or nearby. Tears are normal and common for both child and parent. For some children, the transition is made easier if it is gradual. Each child is different, though. Talk with the staff about separation issues.


2. On the other hand, don’t stay too long. Often a child’s crying stops shortly after the parent leaves. Let the staff be your guide on this – they have helped many children and parents through separation anxiety.


3. Talk to your child about their teachers and new friends. Ask questions to determine if they are adjusting.


4. If your child has concerns about a teacher or another child be sure to let the school know as soon as possible.


5. When possible, begin to make play-dates for older pre-schoolers with classmates.


This is a highly charged time for all children and parents and there are bound to be moments of tears and frustration for everyone. As much time as you can devote to gradually starting your new schedule and familiarizing both your child and yourself with all of the new adjustments that will have to be made – will be time well spent.


Ultimately the most important thing is to assure your child that pre-school and learning are exciting and fun. Stay in communication by asking questions about their day, their activities and the new things they experienced.

Education Opportunity: Roadmap to Special Education

Roadmap to Special Education: Laws and Process



                        Wednesday             August 31, 2011         8:30 am to 4:00pm

Overview: This workshop, combining the Article 7 and IEP training, is all day training that offers basic information about special education laws and regulations for Indiana children ages 3-21. In addition, this training will provide information on how to prepare for a case conference and write an IEP. This training is a great opportunity for family members and professionals who advocate for children with a disability or serious chronic illness.

 Register online at www.aboutspecialkids.org/training

Registration for the training will be closed on August 29, 2011

Location:


Speedway United Methodist Church
5065 W. 16th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46224

Cost: $ 40 – Families Members*
$ 75 - Professionals

Questions:
Email asktraining@aboutspecialkids.org

Attention Level 2, 3, and 4 Paths to QUALITY providers, did you get your invitation in the mail yet? Make sure you respond by August 12th so we can send you out a tool kit to invite your families!

Join us for a fun filled afternoon to celebrate your achievements on Paths to QUALITY! We will also celebrate parents that have chosen quality childcare. There will be games, light food and giveaways!


When: Saturday, September 10th 11am-3pm

Location: Indianapolis, IN
 Please reply by August 12th for you and your family! We will then send you a tool kit to invite your child care families. Reply to Emily Barrow at emilyb@childcareanswers.com or call (317) 636-5727

Child Care Answers Goes to the State Fair

The Indiana State Fair starts in just a few days and runs till

 August 21st. Child Care Answers is proud to be a part of the fair this year by being a sponsor of the Lactation Station. Child Care Answers will have banners posted around the station and the Child Care Answers logo on staff shirts. If you happen to be at the fair stop by and check it out.

Are you 15-19 and pregnant or a first time parent?

You could get paid to be involved in a 90-minute discussion group where you share advice, opinions,
and experiences.

OR

You could get paid to take part in a 4-day workshop where you learn to make videos to communicate
health information.

TELL YOUR STORY!



To see if you qualify,please call the study coordinator at: 317.274.8646

This is a confidential research study conducted by Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis IUPUI Study #1106006091