Preparing for Preschool

What to Bring

  • Backpack

    For independence, we work towards all children being able to recognise and open their own bag. Let them be involved in selecting the bag and taking ownership of it. Please ensure it is large enough to hold all their belongings and is clearly labelled.

  • Wet Bag / Spare Clothes

    Every now and then accidents occur, and it may be necessary for your child to get changed into a fresh set of clothes. Your child will be given a wet bag on their first day, which describes what spare clothes need to be left at preschool.

  • Hat

    We advocate for sun safety and will provide your child with a hat, we ask that this hat be left at the centre, so your child always has a hat at the centre for play. Hats with a brim such as bucket hats and wide-brimmed hats are acceptable.

  • Water Bottle

    It is important for children to have access to clean drinking water throughout the day. Please ensure your child’s water bottle is clearly named.

  • Food

    You will need to pack morning tea and lunch for your child. This will be placed in a fridge in the child’s room. The preschool advocates for children to have healthy foods to promote their ability to learn and grow. As we are allergy aware we ask that you NOT send peanuts, or nut products or foods that may contain nuts.

  • Clothing

    It is helpful to your child if they are dressed in non- restrictive and easy to wash clothes so that they feel free to join in all the activities. Shoes also, need to allow children freedom to run, climb, hop & jump as well as being easy for the child to take off and put on by him/her.

  • Toys

    The Service has an abundance of toys and we ask that children do not bring in toys from home. This eliminates toys getting lost, broken, disappointment for other children and responsibility on Educators to track numerous toys throughout the day.

Orientation is an important start for your child and family to connect to our Service. You may choose to visit us prior to enrolment. This gives you and your child the opportunity to gain an understanding of our program, the lay out of the room, where to find things, provide Educators with additional information about your child and how we can best support their transition and settling period.

Here are some tips

  1. Ensure your child connects with their teacher before you leave.

  2. Acknowledge your child’s distress. You could say ‘I know your feeling really sad that we have to be apart from each other, I have to go soon and I know that you’ll be safe here with your teacher’.

  3. Make sure you leave your child with the teacher/educator. If your child is upset, your teacher will also acknowledge your child’s emotions and reinforce the same consistent message with something like ‘I can see your sad, its hard to say goodbye, you are safe with me and I will look after you today. How about we stick together until your ready for play’.

  4. Say goodbye. Be brave as children can pick up on parents anxiety. When you do say goodbye make sure you leave and don’t keep returning to say numerous goodbyes as this may be more upsetting for your child.

  5. Discuss the process at home. Ask your child how they might like to say goodbye. Eg waves from window, high fives, snuggle huggles, special phrases etc.

  6. Practice this through play. Children benefit from practicing though role play.

  7. Books that talk about separation distress.

  8. Transitional objects. You can send something special with your child. Eg photo, snuggly etc.

Saying goodbye

Ideally, your child will be settled at an experience before you leave, however some children find it hard to settle until their parents have gone. What works best is a set routine so try to establish the care routine from the orientation process. Being well organised and avoiding a rush usually results in a calm start to the day.

Most children will want to have a look around first to see who else has arrived and to look at what experiences are available. Please tell your child when you are leaving as they may become upset if they haven’t had the opportunity to say goodbye. This will gain trust from the child, not only in you but in the Educator who is reassuring your child about their day and when you will return. Rest assured; we will contact you if your child becomes too distressed.

More information can be found in our Parent Handbook.

 Glen Innes Preschool acknowledges the land of the Ngoorabul people on which we learn and play each day.
We pay our respects to elders past and present and to the young leaders of tomorrow.