Graduation is always a bittersweet time at Bambinou Academy Center. Our teachers have enjoyed getting to know each student, learning about their individual personalities, watching them take on new challenges and cheering them on as they succeed at a task. While we are sad to see our preschoolers leave, we also celebrate this important milestone of moving on up to kindergarten.

A high-quality childcare program already gives children an advantage as they prepare to enter kindergarten. It helps develop their reasoning skills, improves socialization and helps them perform better on math and language tests.

While kindergarten may seem daunting to you and your child, the following tips can help smooth the transition and allow your young learner to have a vibrant and successful experience!

• Familiarize yourself with the school. The idea of dropping your kid off at a new school may seem stressful, so take steps to minimize your worries by becoming familiar with the school. Take a tour. Attend open houses and other on-site events. Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and even their bus driver. When you feel good about your child’s new learning environment, they will also feel more confident and calmer.
• Develop a routine. Change can seem scary to kids, so preparing a stable morning routine a few weeks before kindergarten gives them something to look forward to and provides them with a sense of security. Your morning routine might include having your child draw pictures of the day’s tasks (getting up at a certain time, getting dressed, having breakfast, preparing a backpack, etc.) As they help you plan the routine, this gives them a feeling of independence.
• Try role–playing. Encouraging your child’s imagination through role-playing goes a long way in helping them prepare for their new school and anticipate certain scenarios. Pretend with your child that her stuffed animals are starting kindergarten and show how the animals successfully deal with the jitters. Act out ways to meet new friends or what to do if she can’t find her classroom.
• Acknowledge your child’s fears. If your child is nervous about starting a new school, he may not vocalize his concerns. Create a safe space for him to express his anxieties and fears (because there will be some worries!) Listen attentively, validate your child’s feelings, and reassure him that it’s normal to feel nervous or excited about new experiences.