Healthy Eating and Nutrition at Cornerstone Family Preschool
At Cornerstone Family Preschool, we believe that healthy eating habits start early. We are committed to providing nutritious meals and snacks that help our children grow, learn, and thrive. Our approach to nutrition emphasizes the importance of balanced diets, healthy choices, and understanding the value of fresh, wholesome foods.
Our Nutrition Philosophy
- Balanced Meals: We provide meals that include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy, ensuring that children receive all the nutrients they need.
- Portion Control: Each meal is portioned appropriately for growing bodies to encourage healthy eating habits without overeating.
- Local and Fresh Ingredients: We source fresh, local ingredients whenever possible, supporting Florida’s agriculture and ensuring that the children experience the best quality produce.
Sample Daily Menu
- Morning Snack: Fresh apple slices with whole grain crackers
- Lunch: Grilled chicken strips, steamed broccoli, and whole grain rice
- Afternoon Snack: Yogurt with mixed berries
All meals are prepared to meet the nutritional guidelines set by the Florida Department of Health and are designed to cater to the specific needs of preschool-aged children.
Allergies and Dietary Needs
We understand that every child is unique, and that includes their dietary needs. We offer alternative meal options for children with food allergies or specific dietary requirements (e.g., gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian). Parents are encouraged to discuss any special requests with our team, and we will do our best to accommodate each child’s needs.
Teaching Healthy Habits
Our curriculum incorporates lessons about healthy eating. Children participate in fun, hands-on activities like planting a small garden, learning to identify fruits and vegetables, and even preparing simple, nutritious snacks. This helps them understand where food comes from and encourages them to make healthy choices.
Partnership with Parents
We believe that good nutrition doesn’t stop at school, so we work closely with parents to encourage healthy eating habits at home. Through regular updates, newsletters, and workshops, we provide tips and recipes that make it easy for families to maintain a balanced diet outside of preschool.
Resources for Parents
- Healthy Eating Tips: Quick ideas for nutritious, kid-friendly meals and snacks.
- Florida Farm-to-Table: Information on how to incorporate locally grown foods into your family’s diet.
- Recipe Sharing: A monthly feature where we share some of our preschool’s favorite healthy recipes that can be made at home.
If you have any questions about our healthy eating program, feel free to reach out to our team. Together, we can help your child develop a lifelong love for nutritious food and healthy living.
At-Home Learning Activities for Preschoolers
At Cornerstone Family Preschool, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. To support the development of young minds at home, we’ve created a collection of fun, educational activities that you can enjoy with your child. These activities are designed to promote creativity, cognitive skills, and social-emotional development while keeping your preschooler engaged in learning outside of school hours.
Hands-On Learning Activities
- Counting with Everyday Objects
- Materials: Buttons, toys, or any small household items
- Instructions: Encourage your child to count different objects around the house. You can ask them to group items into sets (e.g., five blue buttons, three toy cars). This helps develop basic math and sorting skills.
- Shape Hunt
- Materials: Paper, crayons
- Instructions: Draw different shapes on paper (circle, square, triangle, etc.). Then go on a “shape hunt” around the house to find objects that match each shape. This activity helps children recognize and identify common shapes.
- Alphabet Treasure Hunt
- Materials: Paper, markers
- Instructions: Write each letter of the alphabet on individual pieces of paper and scatter them around the room. Ask your child to find objects that start with each letter and place them next to the matching letter. This is a great way to reinforce letter recognition and phonics.
Creative Play
- DIY Storybook
- Materials: Blank paper, crayons, markers
- Instructions: Help your child create their very own storybook by drawing pictures and writing simple words or sentences. You can provide a topic (e.g., a day at the beach) or let their imagination run wild. Storytelling promotes literacy, language development, and creativity.
- Sensory Bins
- Materials: Rice, pasta, or beans, small toys, cups, spoons
- Instructions: Fill a bin with dry rice or pasta and hide small toys or objects inside. Give your child scoops and cups to find and sort the items. This activity stimulates sensory development and fine motor skills.
- Music and Movement
- Materials: Any music (or make your own with pots and pans!)
- Instructions: Play some fun music and encourage your child to dance, march, or clap along. You can also play a game of “freeze dance,” where they stop when the music stops. Movement activities help develop coordination and gross motor skills.
STEM Fun
- Simple Science Experiment: Floating vs. Sinking
- Materials: A large bowl of water, household objects (e.g., spoon, toy boat, sponge)
- Instructions: Gather different objects and let your child predict which ones will float or sink. Place the objects in the water and observe what happens. This fun science experiment introduces basic physics concepts.
- Build a Bridge with Blocks
- Materials: Building blocks or household items
- Instructions: Challenge your child to build a bridge using blocks or any available materials. Test it by placing small toys on the bridge to see how strong it is. This activity promotes problem-solving and engineering skills.
Outdoor Adventures
- Nature Walk and Scavenger Hunt
- Materials: A list of outdoor items (leaf, flower, rock, etc.)
- Instructions: Take a walk around your yard or local park, and use the list to find different nature items. Encourage your child to talk about the textures, colors, and shapes they discover. This activity enhances observation skills and a love for the outdoors.
- Chalk Art Fun
- Materials: Sidewalk chalk
- Instructions: Let your child use sidewalk chalk to create their own drawings or trace large letters, numbers, or shapes. You can also draw a hopscotch grid for some active play. This fosters creativity and fine motor development.
Tips for Parents
- Keep It Fun: Learning should be playful and enjoyable. Allow your child to explore and take the lead in activities they find interesting.
- Routine Is Key: Setting aside a regular time for learning activities helps children know what to expect and creates a comfortable structure.
- Use Everyday Moments: Turn daily tasks like cooking, shopping, or even laundry into learning opportunities by involving your child in counting, sorting, and matching activities.
Stay Connected with Cornerstone Family Preschool
We encourage parents to share their at-home learning experiences with us. You can send photos or stories about the activities you’ve done together, and we’d love to feature them on our website or in our newsletters!
If you need more ideas or have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team. We’re here to support you and your child’s learning journey every step of the way.
Routine and Sleep Recommendations for Preschoolers
At Cornerstone Family Preschool, we understand that a consistent routine and sufficient sleep are essential for the healthy development of young children. Establishing regular sleep patterns and daily routines helps children feel secure, improves behavior, and enhances their ability to focus and learn. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you create a structured, restful environment for your preschooler.
Importance of a Daily Routine
A daily routine gives children a sense of predictability and helps them feel more in control of their day. It can also reduce anxiety and make transitions between activities smoother. A balanced routine should include time for learning, play, rest, and meals.
Sample Daily Routine for Preschoolers
Here’s a simple structure you can adapt to your child’s needs:
- Morning
- 7:00 AM: Wake up and get dressed
- 7:30 AM: Healthy breakfast
- 8:00 AM: Playtime or learning activities
- 9:30 AM: Snack time
- 10:00 AM: Outdoor or active play
- Midday
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 12:30 PM: Quiet time or nap
- 2:30 PM: Learning or craft activities
- Afternoon
- 3:30 PM: Snack
- 4:00 PM: Playtime (indoor or outdoor)
- 5:30 PM: Family time or help with simple chores
- Evening
- 6:00 PM: Dinner
- 6:30 PM: Bath time and prepare for bed
- 7:00 PM: Storytime or quiet activity
- 7:30 PM: Bedtime routine and sleep
Sleep Recommendations for Preschoolers
Sleep is vital for a child’s overall health and well-being. Preschoolers typically need 10 to 13 hours of sleep per day, including nighttime sleep and naps. A good night’s sleep helps children with memory retention, emotional regulation, and physical development.
Tips for Establishing a Healthy Sleep Routine:
- Consistent Bedtime and Wake-Up Time
Set a regular bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. A consistent schedule helps regulate your child’s internal clock, making it easier for them to fall asleep and wake up refreshed. - Create a Calming Bedtime Routine
A calming routine before bed can signal to your child that it’s time to wind down. This could include a warm bath, brushing teeth, reading a favorite story, or cuddling with a soft toy. Keeping the routine the same each night helps them feel secure. - Limit Screen Time Before Bed
Avoid screen time at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted from tablets, TVs, or phones can interfere with your child’s ability to fall asleep. Instead, opt for quiet activities like reading or puzzles. - Keep the Bedroom Environment Sleep-Friendly
Ensure that your child’s bedroom is a peaceful space. Keep it cool, quiet, and dark, and use comfortable bedding. A nightlight can be helpful if your child feels more secure with a small amount of light. - Watch for Sleep Cues
Learn to recognize when your child is ready for bed. Signs of sleepiness may include yawning, rubbing eyes, or becoming more irritable. Putting them to bed when they show these signs can prevent overtiredness, which can make falling asleep more difficult.
Napping Guidelines
Most preschoolers need at least one nap during the day, usually lasting 1 to 2 hours. Naps help recharge their energy and support cognitive and emotional development.
Napping Tips:
- Schedule naps earlier in the day to avoid interfering with nighttime sleep.
- Keep naptime calm and relaxing. A dark, quiet room can help your child settle down for a nap.
- If your child resists naps, try offering quiet time instead, where they can relax with books or calm activities. This gives them a chance to rest even if they don't fall asleep.
Dealing with Sleep Challenges
It’s common for preschoolers to experience occasional sleep disruptions, such as bedtime resistance or waking up during the night. Here are a few strategies to help:
- Bedtime Resistance: Set clear boundaries and maintain consistency with the bedtime routine. Offer choices when possible (e.g., “Do you want to read this story or that story?”) to give them a sense of control.
- Night Wakings: If your child wakes up at night, calmly guide them back to bed without engaging in too much conversation or play. Reassure them but keep the interaction brief.
- Fears and Nightmares: Preschoolers often have vivid imaginations that can lead to fears or nightmares. Comfort your child by acknowledging their feelings and offering a calm, soothing presence.
Tips for Parents
- Be Patient: Building a consistent routine takes time. Be patient as your child adjusts, and make changes gradually.
- Stay Flexible: Life happens, and sometimes routines need to change. Stay flexible and adapt your routine to your family’s schedule when necessary.
- Model Good Sleep Habits: Children often mirror the behavior of adults, so modeling a healthy sleep routine for yourself can reinforce the importance of good sleep habits for your child.
Resources for Parents
If you have any concerns about your child’s sleep patterns or need additional guidance on setting up a daily routine, feel free to contact our team. We’re happy to provide resources and support to help ensure your child’s well-being.
Screen Time Guidelines for Preschoolers
At Cornerstone Family Preschool, we understand that screens are a part of everyday life, but managing screen time is essential for the healthy development of young children. While technology can provide educational benefits, too much screen time can affect a child’s physical health, social skills, and emotional well-being. Here are some helpful guidelines to ensure a healthy balance of screen time for preschoolers.
Recommended Screen Time Limits
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following screen time limits for preschool-aged children:
- Children under 2 years old: Screen time should be avoided, except for video chatting with family and friends.
- Children ages 2 to 5: Limit screen time to no more than 1 hour per day of high-quality, educational programming.
Benefits of Limiting Screen Time
- Encourages Physical Activity: Reducing screen time ensures that children have more time for active play, which is essential for motor skill development and overall health.
- Promotes Social Interaction: Limiting screens encourages children to engage in face-to-face interactions with peers and adults, helping them develop essential social skills.
- Supports Creativity and Imagination: Without the distraction of screens, children are more likely to participate in imaginative play, arts and crafts, and other creative activities that promote brain development.
- Better Sleep Habits: Reducing screen time, especially before bed, helps promote better sleep quality, as screens can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
Tips for Healthy Screen Use
- Set Screen Time Boundaries
- Establish clear rules about when and how long your child can use screens. Keep screens off during meals, family time, and before bedtime.
- Choose High-Quality, Educational Content
- When your child does have screen time, make it count by selecting age-appropriate, educational content that encourages learning. Shows or apps that promote literacy, numbers, problem-solving, or emotional development are good choices. Look for trusted platforms like PBS Kids, Sesame Street, or other preschool-specific programming.
- Co-View and Engage
- Whenever possible, watch or engage with your child during screen time. Ask questions and discuss what they are seeing to reinforce learning and make it an interactive experience.
- Create Screen-Free Zones
- Designate certain areas in your home as screen-free zones, such as the dining room or bedrooms. This helps create an environment that fosters more personal interactions and playtime without screens.
- Model Healthy Screen Habits
- Children learn by watching their parents. Set a good example by being mindful of your own screen habits. Limit your use of phones, tablets, or TVs during family time and avoid excessive screen time yourself.
- Incorporate Physical Play
- Balance screen time with active play. Encourage outdoor activities, sports, or creative indoor play to keep your child’s body moving and their mind engaged.
Screen Time Alternatives
Instead of turning to screens, try these fun and educational alternatives:
- Outdoor Play: Encourage activities like running, jumping, riding a bike, or playing ball games in the yard or at a local park.
- Reading Together: Storytime is a wonderful way to bond with your child and enhance their literacy skills.
- Arts and Crafts: Set up an art station with paper, crayons, stickers, and markers to let your child explore their creative side.
- Sensory Play: Engage in activities like building with blocks, playing with clay, or setting up a sensory bin with rice or sand for a hands-on experience.
- Music and Movement: Have a dance party at home, sing songs, or make homemade instruments for a fun, interactive way to promote physical activity and learning.
Managing Screen Time in a Digital World
We understand that screens are sometimes necessary, especially for keeping children engaged during downtime. Here are a few strategies to help balance screen time in today’s digital world:
- Set a Daily Routine: Establish a daily routine where screen time is limited to specific periods, such as after a nap or as a reward for completing tasks like cleaning up toys or finishing homework.
- Use Parental Controls: Make use of parental control settings on devices and apps to ensure your child is accessing age-appropriate content and set timers to limit usage.
- Encourage Screen Breaks: Remind your child to take regular breaks during screen time, especially if they are watching or engaging for longer periods. A good rule of thumb is the “20-20-20 rule”—every 20 minutes, encourage your child to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give their eyes a rest.
Resources for Parents
At Cornerstone Family Preschool, we are here to support your family’s journey to balanced screen use. For more tips on managing screen time or for educational content recommendations, feel free to reach out to our team. Together, we can help your child navigate the digital world in a healthy and enriching way.
Social and Emotional Development at Cornerstone Family Preschool
At Cornerstone Family Preschool, we recognize that social and emotional development is a critical part of a child’s early learning experience. By helping children understand and manage their emotions, form positive relationships, and navigate social environments, we set them up for success both in school and in life. Our approach is designed to foster a nurturing environment where children feel safe, confident, and ready to grow.
What Is Social and Emotional Development?
Social and emotional development refers to a child’s ability to:
- Identify and manage their own emotions: Learning to recognize feelings like happiness, frustration, or anger, and understanding how to cope with these emotions in healthy ways.
- Build relationships with others: Developing the skills needed to form friendships, cooperate with peers, and communicate effectively.
- Show empathy and understanding: Learning to recognize the emotions of others and respond with kindness, compassion, and respect.
- Develop self-control: Understanding boundaries, managing impulses, and practicing patience.
These skills are foundational for children’s overall development and well-being. They also play a major role in helping children succeed in school settings and build strong, healthy relationships throughout their lives.
How We Support Social and Emotional Development
At Cornerstone Family Preschool, we integrate social and emotional learning into our daily activities, giving children the opportunity to practice these skills in real-life situations. Here’s how we help nurture social and emotional development:
- Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment
Our classrooms are designed to be welcoming and supportive, encouraging children to express themselves freely. We promote a positive atmosphere where each child feels valued and accepted, which helps them build confidence in their interactions with others. - Encouraging Emotional Expression
We provide children with the tools to identify and label their emotions. Through stories, songs, and conversations, we help them understand that it’s okay to feel a wide range of emotions and to express them in healthy ways. This may involve talking about feelings, drawing, or using calming techniques like deep breathing. - Teaching Empathy and Kindness
Our teachers model and encourage empathetic behavior. We introduce activities that promote kindness, such as sharing, taking turns, and helping others. Role-playing and group activities help children practice putting themselves in others’ shoes, fostering a sense of compassion and understanding. - Building Social Skills
We provide structured opportunities for children to interact with their peers through group play, cooperative games, and collaborative activities. These experiences help them practice communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, laying the foundation for positive relationships. - Developing Self-Regulation
Learning to manage strong emotions and impulses is a key aspect of social and emotional development. We teach children self-regulation strategies, such as taking breaks, using words to express needs, and practicing mindfulness techniques to stay calm and focused.
Activities to Support Social and Emotional Growth
Here are some of the activities we incorporate into our daily curriculum to support social and emotional development:
- Emotion Recognition Games: We use flashcards, facial expressions, and scenarios to help children identify different emotions and discuss how to handle them.
- Circle Time Conversations: During circle time, children are encouraged to share their thoughts and feelings in a safe space, fostering open communication and building trust among peers.
- Group Projects: Working on shared tasks teaches cooperation, patience, and respect for others' ideas.
- Conflict Resolution Practice: We help children learn how to solve conflicts with words, understanding that disagreements can be resolved peacefully through communication and compromise.
Tips for Supporting Social and Emotional Development at Home
Parents play a key role in helping children grow socially and emotionally. Here are some simple ways to encourage this development at home:
- Model Positive Behavior
Children learn by example, so show kindness, patience, and empathy in your interactions. Use everyday situations to demonstrate how to manage emotions and treat others with respect. - Encourage Emotional Expression
Help your child identify and express their emotions by asking open-ended questions like, "How are you feeling today?" or "What made you feel happy/sad?" Provide a safe space for them to talk about their feelings without judgment. - Practice Social Skills
Encourage playdates or small group interactions where your child can practice sharing, taking turns, and cooperating with others. Teach them simple phrases to use in social situations, like asking for help or inviting someone to play. - Teach Problem-Solving Skills
When conflicts arise, guide your child through the process of resolving the issue. Ask them questions like, "What do you think we can do to make this better?" or "How can we work together to solve this?" Teaching them to think critically and come up with solutions helps build their confidence and independence. - Create a Routine
Consistent daily routines help children feel secure and reduce anxiety. Having predictable times for meals, play, and rest can help children manage transitions and know what to expect next.
Resources for Parents
We’re committed to helping parents support their child’s social and emotional growth. If you have any questions or would like more information on how to nurture these skills at home, feel free to reach out to our team. We also offer helpful workshops and resources on topics such as emotional regulation, managing behavior, and building positive relationships.
Health and Care at Cornerstone Family Preschool
At Cornerstone Family Preschool, the health and well-being of our students is a top priority. To ensure a safe and healthy environment for all children, we’ve established clear guidelines on when to keep your child home and how to care for common childhood illnesses. Please review our policies to help us maintain a healthy preschool community.
When My Child Has a Fever?
Children with a fever should remain at home until they are well enough to return to school. A fever indicates that the body is fighting an infection, and sending a sick child to school can expose others to illness.
- What Is Considered a Fever?
A fever is defined as a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. If your child’s temperature is at or above this threshold, please keep them home. - When Can My Child Return to School?
Your child should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) before returning to school. This ensures that your child is no longer contagious and feels well enough to participate in school activities. - What Should I Do If My Child Has a Fever?
- Encourage rest and fluids.
- Monitor the fever and any other symptoms.
- Consult with your child’s pediatrician if the fever persists for more than 24 hours or if you are concerned about their symptoms.
When My Child Has a Cough or Cold?
Coughs and colds are common among young children, especially during the school year. However, there are times when it’s best to keep your child home.
- Keep Your Child Home If:
- They have a persistent cough that is disruptive to their ability to focus or rest.
- They are experiencing a runny nose with thick yellow or green mucus.
- They show signs of fatigue, discomfort, or irritability.
- When Can They Return?
Once your child’s symptoms have improved, and they are well enough to actively participate in school, they can return. If your child’s cold symptoms include a fever, follow the fever guidelines above.
When My Child Has Diarrhea or Vomiting?
Gastrointestinal illnesses, including diarrhea and vomiting, are highly contagious and require your child to stay home to prevent spreading the illness.
- Keep Your Child Home If:
- They have had diarrhea or vomiting within the last 24 hours.
- When Can They Return?
Your child should stay home for at least 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea, without the use of medication, and should be able to eat normally before returning to school.
What If My Child Has a Rash?
A rash can be a sign of many things, from allergies to infections. If your child develops a rash, it’s important to determine the cause.
- Keep Your Child Home If:
- The rash is unexplained, spreading, or accompanied by a fever.
- The rash looks like blisters, open sores, or is oozing.
- When Can They Return?
Your child can return to school once a healthcare provider has determined that the rash is not contagious or after it has cleared up.
Administering Medications at School
If your child requires medication during the school day, please follow these guidelines:
- Medications must be provided in the original packaging and clearly labeled with your child’s name.
- Prescription medications require a doctor’s note and instructions for administration.
- Over-the-counter medications can only be administered with written consent from a parent or guardian.
Please contact our office if you have any questions about our medication policy.
Tips for Keeping Your Child Healthy
To help reduce the spread of illness, we encourage families to:
- Teach Good Hygiene: Show your child how to properly wash their hands with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
- Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage a balanced diet, plenty of sleep, and regular physical activity to keep your child’s immune system strong.
- Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations: Ensure your child is up to date on all required vaccines, including the flu shot, to help prevent illness.
- Know When to Stay Home: Keeping a sick child home not only helps them recover but also prevents illness from spreading to other children and staff.
By following these guidelines, together we can keep our preschool a healthy and safe environment for all students. If you have any questions about our health and care policies, please contact us at info@cornerstonefamilypreschool.com .
Transition to Kindergarten at Cornerstone Family Preschool
The transition from preschool to kindergarten is an exciting and important milestone in your child’s life. At Cornerstone Family Preschool, we are committed to helping children and their families prepare for this new chapter with confidence and enthusiasm. Our approach ensures that each child is socially, emotionally, and academically ready to take on the challenges of kindergarten.
Preparing for Kindergarten
We believe that readiness for kindergarten goes beyond academic skills. A successful transition also involves social skills, emotional maturity, and the ability to adapt to a new environment. Here are some of the key areas we focus on to prepare your child:
- Academic Readiness
Through our play-based learning curriculum, we introduce early literacy, math, and problem-solving skills that will form the foundation for kindergarten. Activities like recognizing letters, counting objects, and engaging in simple science experiments help build curiosity and a love of learning. - Social and Emotional Readiness
Kindergarten requires children to interact with new teachers and classmates. We emphasize the development of important social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, following directions, and managing emotions. These skills help children feel comfortable and confident in a group learning environment. - Independence and Self-Care Skills
In kindergarten, children are expected to perform basic self-care tasks independently, such as dressing themselves, using the restroom, and cleaning up after activities. We encourage these skills in the classroom by giving children opportunities to practice them daily. - Positive Attitude Toward Learning
We foster a positive attitude toward learning by creating an engaging and fun environment. By encouraging curiosity, exploration, and a growth mindset, we help children develop the confidence to tackle new challenges with excitement.
What to Expect in Kindergarten
Kindergarten offers a structured learning environment with an emphasis on the following areas:
- Early Literacy and Language Development: Children will work on recognizing letters and sounds, learning sight words, and developing early writing skills.
- Math Readiness: Basic number concepts, counting, simple addition and subtraction, and understanding patterns will be introduced.
- Social Development: There will be a strong focus on working in groups, developing friendships, and following classroom rules and routines.
- Motor Skills: Activities like drawing, cutting with scissors, and engaging in physical play will help fine-tune both fine and gross motor skills.
How We Support the Transition
At Cornerstone Family Preschool, we partner with families to make the transition to kindergarten as smooth and seamless as possible. Here’s how we support this important milestone:
- Kindergarten Readiness Assessments
Throughout the year, we conduct informal assessments to monitor each child’s progress in key developmental areas. These assessments help us tailor our instruction to meet each child’s individual needs and ensure they are on track for kindergarten. - Transition Activities
We incorporate special activities designed to familiarize children with the routines and expectations of kindergarten. This includes practicing structured learning activities, longer group times, and following multi-step directions. - Kindergarten Visits
In collaboration with local elementary schools, we offer opportunities for preschoolers to visit kindergarten classrooms. This experience allows them to see what kindergarten is like and ask questions, helping to ease any anxiety they may feel. - Parent Workshops and Resources
We offer workshops and resources to help parents understand the kindergarten process, including tips on how to support your child at home, what to expect in terms of academic and social changes, and how to help your child adjust to a new school environment.
Tips for Parents: Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten
Here are a few ways you can support your child’s transition to kindergarten at home:
- Establish Routines
Create consistent routines for bedtime, wake-up time, and meals to help your child adjust to the structured schedule of kindergarten. This will help them feel more comfortable with the daily routine at school. - Encourage Independence
Give your child opportunities to practice independence in daily tasks, such as getting dressed, organizing toys, and putting on their backpack. Building independence will make them feel more confident in the kindergarten classroom. - Talk About Kindergarten
Have conversations with your child about what kindergarten will be like. Discuss what they will do, who they will meet, and how exciting it will be to learn new things. Answer any questions they have to alleviate concerns. - Read Together Daily
Reading together is one of the best ways to prepare your child for kindergarten. It builds vocabulary, listening skills, and a love for books. Try reading stories about starting school to help them understand what to expect. - Practice Fine Motor Skills
Activities such as drawing, coloring, cutting with child-safe scissors, and building with small blocks can strengthen your child’s fine motor skills, preparing them for writing and other tasks in kindergarten.
Resources for Parents
We are here to support you and your child during this transition. If you have any questions or need additional resources, please reach out to our team. We are happy to provide advice, offer readiness checklists, or help you connect with local schools to make sure your child is well-prepared for this exciting next step.