Is your child ready to go back to their regular early childhood education center after weeks or months away? Whether you went on vacation, the center had to close, you had to work from home recently, or there's another reason for your child's absence, take a look at the easy ways for your child to transition back into the daycare day.

Talk to Your Child

Even though your preschooler isn't ready for a deep discussion, they can talk about the upcoming change. If you're not sure how to broach the subject or start a conversation about their return to school:

Ask the educator. Talk to the teacher before your child's first day back at school. The early childhood educator has the knowledge and experience to tackle this type of subject in ways parents may not think about.

Ask your child. Open the conversation up to your child and let them take the lead. Start with a simple question, such as, "Are you ready to go back to preschool?" and encourage your child to direct the discussion.

Ask yourself. What do you want to get out of this conversation? Before you start a discussion, ask yourself what you think this parent-to-child talk should accomplish. This can help you to create conversation starters or questions for your child.

Use simple words/phrases and keep a positive tone during the discussion. Your child may have questions about the upcoming transition. Encourage these questions and do your best to answer them fully.

Get the Facts

Was this a whole-school closure? If the entire childcare center closed for a period, make sure you get the reopening facts before your child's first day back. These may include:

Drop-off/pick-up procedures. Can you bring your child into the childcare center or will you need to drop them off with a staff member?

Sick policies. Have the center's sick policies changed? Make sure you know when your child can and can't go to school.

Room assignments. Will your child stay in the same classroom they were in before the closure? If not, what room are they assigned to? Even though you may not need to enter the building, you need this information in the event of an emergency.

Personal belongings. Can your child bring a backpack, their favorite toy, or a blanket? Ask the school's staff what your child can and should bring on their first day back.

What should you do if you have concerns about the center's reopening? Write a list of questions concerning the first day back to daycare. The director or staff can address your concerns. This knowledge can make the process easier on everyone — including your child.

Role Play the First Day



Has the memory of daycare faded? If your child no longer talks about their friends, teachers, or daycare day activities, refresh their memory with a role play game. This type of game may include:

Assigned roles. Decide who will play the role of teacher and who will play the student. Your child can take turns trying out each role. Add in friends or other people your child may see at school.

Props. Use school-like props, such as books, toys, or a backpack.

A set. Magically transform your living room or playroom into the preschool classroom. This can set the scene for lifelike pretend play.

Start at the beginning and role play everything from preschool drop-off to the end of the day at pick-up. Even though this game may only seem like pretend play to your child, it's a valuable way to prepare for the first day back at school.

Is your child ready to return to or start preschool? Call us at Small World Early Learning & Development Centers for more information.