Starting preschool is an important milestone in a child’s life. While some children may be excited and proud to be a ‘big kid’, others might feel anxious about leaving the familiarity of home and being separated from their parents.

Consider these tips to ease your child’s transition and begin their educational journey smoothly and confidently.

1

VISIT THE PRESCHOOL

Attend the preschool’s Open House event or contact the centre to schedule a personal tour.
Attend the preschool’s Open House event or contact the centre to schedule a personal tour.

Arrange a visit to the preschool in advance. During the tour, your child can meet their future teachers, explore the classroom and playground, and see the drop-off and pick-up points. This familiarisation will help them feel more confident on their first day. Remember to ask teachers for the daily schedule and then go over it with your child at home. 

2

TALK IT OUT

Do not brush off your child’s questions or concerns. Listen patiently to their worries (e.g. “What if I miss you?” or “What if nobody plays with me?”). Reassure them that it is normal to be nervous about such a big change and talk about their fears. Reading books about starting preschool with your child can help. Discussing the characters’ experiences may encourage your child to express their own feelings. 

3

ENGAGE IN PRETEND PLAY

Swap roles while playing pretend school so that your child can experience different perspectives.
Swap roles while playing pretend school so that your child can experience different perspectives.

Role-play preschool routines and activities with your child, such as saying goodbye in the morning, gathering for Circle Time, or approaching a new friend. Take turns being the parent, child and teacher, or use dolls to play those roles. Another idea is to set up a classroom-like learning space at home (e.g. an Art Corner) and conduct pretend lessons. Through play-acting, your child will become familiar with these situations and associate learning with fun. 

4

FOSTER INDEPENDENCE

Teaching self-help skills to your child is important. Being able to perform daily tasks like dressing, eating and toileting independently will boost their confidence and readiness for preschool. When shopping for school supplies, involve your child in making decisions such as choosing their schoolbag. Offering choices helps children feel more in control, which in turn reduces their anxiety. 

5

STICK TO A ROUTINE

Create a routine that aligns with preschool timings.
Create a routine that aligns with preschool timings.

Establish a consistent routine with your child before preschool starts. Schedule breakfast times, set fixed playground visits, and develop regular bedtime routines. Having structure and predictability will help them adjust to the idea of preschool. To ease first-day jitters, create a drop-off ritual with your child. This could be a special song or handshake, waving goodbye from outside the classroom window, or packing a favourite stuffed toy in their schoolbag as a transitional object. 

6

BE READY TO VOLUNTEER

Discuss with your child how you plan to participate in preschool activities, such as volunteering for field trips or speaking to the class on Career Day. Your child will feel more at ease knowing that you are on this new journey together.