A Happy, Successful Start in the Toddler Program

Parents play a crucial role in helping their children have a good experience at school. Here are a few tips to help you get ready:

• Let them walk in by themselves and carry their things.
  • Toddlers are more capable than many assume. Get off to a strong start by letting your child walk into school ( instead of carrying him). Give him the job of carrying his lunch box: it will help his confidence!
• Be on time.
  • Have you ever felt uncomfortable when you came late to work for a meeting or party? This is how your child feels when coming late to school and all his friends are already at work. Please arrive on time (8:30 am). With toddlers' shorter attention spans, much of the fantastic work we do -such as food and snack preparation- happens early in the day, and we wouldn't want him to miss out. Plus, trickling in late arrivals negatively impacts the entire community, as toddlers' concentration gets interrupted every time a new child walks in late. And on-time arrivals help set a positive mood for your child, too. 
• Drop off at the doorway.
  • During our Teacher meeting, you can come into class with your child. Now that the first day is here, please drop him off at the doorway. From the start, this allows him to understand that a school is a place he can call his own. Give him a quick hug, let him know you'll be back (tell him when -by lunch, after a nap), and show confidence that you know he'll be safe by smiling at the teacher. This will allow him to see that you trust the teacher. 
• Know we will care for your child.
  • We "Teachers" are here to help him through his sadness, on the first day and through his adjustment to school. We will talk to, be near, comfort, and introduce him to many enticing activities in class. We will learn and meet his needs with time, patience, and observation. 

-Cricket Teacher