Starting preschool or kindy
CHOOSING A PRESCHOOL OR KINDY
Deciding which preschool or kindy is right for your child might be
as simple as a matter of geography, or it might involve some
research on your part into different philosophies and approaches,
as you consider which will best suit your child and family
circumstances. A good place to start is the Ministry of Education
website, www.minedu.govt.nz/parents.aspx, which includes
a list of kindies and preschools by location and information on the
"20 hours free ECE" programme". The Ministry of Education conducts
reviews of all educational institutions, and this includes
preschools and kindies, so once you have found one or two that you
think might be suitable, visit www.ero.govt.nz to read the reports on them.
You might also like to visit them to get a feel for the atmosphere
there.
Once you have decided on a preschool or kindy, put your child's
name on the waiting list as soon as possible - some have long
waiting lists so the earlier you enroll them, the sooner he or she
will be able to start. Some parents place their child on the
waiting list for two or three preschools at the same time, and then
take whichever place becomes available first.
PLANNING
Young children often struggle with the concept of time, so trying
to get him or her excited about something that isn't going to
happen for a while is tricky, and often pointless - they will
respond better if you begin the preparation process a week or two
before they are due to start. If your child has older siblings, he
or she is probably already quite excited about being "grown-up"
enough for kindy or preschool, but if not, spending time away from
home might seem like a foreign, and frightening, prospect.
Broach the subject at a time when your child is settled and feels
secure, perhaps at a family mealtime or when you have some
one-on-one time. Talk about the exciting activities that he or she
will be able to participate in at kindy, and be sure to give him or
her the opportunity to ask questions - they will have plenty!
Most kindies or preschools will allow you and your child to visit
before the official start date, to give both of you a chance to see
how things work there, and how your child will be spending his or
her time when there. It's also a chance for your child to meet the
teachers/staff, and will help make the big day seem less
overwhelming.
PREPARING
What your child will need to take with him to preschool or kindy
will vary, depending on what they supply, but things your child is
sure to need are:
• A backpack - letting your child choose one will
help build excitement about starting kindy.
• One or two spare changes of clothes
• A good, sturdy pair of shoes
They may also need:
• A lunch box - again, letting your child choose
one is a good idea
• A drink bottle
• Spare knickers/undies in case of accidents -
even children who have been toilet trained for some time may have
the odd accident at preschool while they settle in
• An apron/coverall to protect his or her clothes
when painting
• Sun hat and sunscreen during the warmer
months
• Gumboots and jacket/raincoat during
winter
Make sure everything is clearly named, either with labels or with
indelible laundry marker to avoid your child's belongings ending up
in the lost property box.
THE BIG DAY
When the big day dawns, don't be surprised if you feel a little
emotional - starting preschool is a huge milestone in your child's
life, it's normal to feel a bit misty-eyed!
Let your child pack his or her own backpack, and if they have to
take lunch, involve them in choosing what goes into their lunchbox
(within reason, of course!). Try to allow enough time that it isn't
a rush to get ready. Don't forget to take lots of photos, both of
your child getting ready at home, and them settling in at
preschool.
When you arrive at kindy, be prepared to stay with your child for
at least a few minutes. Some kindies will encourage you to stay
with your child until he or she feels comfortable, even if this
means the whole session for the first few days, while others will
encourage you to leave fairly promptly and have a teacher take care
of settling your child. Be clear on this before you arrive, and
discuss it with your child.
SETTLING IN
If your child is having difficulty adjusting to kindy or preschool,
here are a few ideas that might help:
• Starting a reward chart for staying at kindy
for the whole session by his- or herself
• Making a booklet about your child's time at
preschool - include photos of you dropping them off, of them
participating in activities they enjoy at preschool, and then of
you picking them up again, to reinforce the idea that you will come
back to get them once the session is finished
• Taking note of other children your child plays
with at kindy or talks about at home and encouraging him or her to
build relationships
If you have concerns about your child's settling, be sure to talk
to the teachers who look after him or her - preschool is a whole
new adventure for your child, and they are experienced in helping
children settle in.