Put a label on his stuff

Labeling your child’s equipment and clothing with their name will help prevent loss, confusion and possible upset for your child.

Structured activities

Many preschools focus on different activities in structured time periods: Art projects, indoor play, outdoor play, etc. Adding structured activities at home prior to the start of school helps prepare your child.

Talking with parents when preschool shopping

When researching preschools talk with parents who are enrolled at the preschool. Find out their concerns, likes and dislikes.

Picking a pre-school program

Preschool programs that properly stimulate and nurture a young child’s mind will result in better-prepared children by the time they start school.

The “Parent Who Forgets the Diapers”

Don’t Be the "Parent Who Keeps Forgetting to Bring Diapers" to pre-school. Buy one of those large packages of diapers and put it in the trunk of your car, then when you get the "diapers needed" note, you can just walk outside and get them.

Common early childhood terms

Knowing the difference between other common early childhood terms will help you make informed decisions regarding your child’s education. Review this list of common terms to describe preschool settings.

Packing smartly for school

Lost school supplies may be a given, but gear that’s hard to miss can stave off the inevitable. Pack all their pencils, erasers, and other goodies into a bright backpack or pencil pouch to keep them from disappearing.

Starting the day right

No one likes to race through the school morning routine — especially on the first day. So get everyone up at a reasonable hour. That way, you won’t have to hurry your child as he munches through his morning meal — or risk being late because you had to tame your frazzled tot’s tantrum.

Visiting day care

One of the best ways to put your child at ease prior to starting day care is to have him or her visit the facility or family day care home, preferably more than once, for short visits.

Day care guide

When meeting with day care directors or caregivers, don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to in order to feel comfortable. It’s a good idea to have a written list with you so that you don’t forget a key query.

How kids can get organized

Every night before a school day, have your kids put their backpack near the door you will use to exit the house in the morning.

Taking an active roll at school

Teachers can encourage parents to take an active role in the classroom by requesting volunteers for holiday parties, field trips, or book readings.

Send your child’s teacher a birthday card

Sending a birthday greeting shows that you and your child appreciate the little things teacher does to make school enjoyable

School bus safety tip

Make sure that your child’s clothes do not have any loose drawstrings, which can get caught in school bus doors andcan be a safety hazard for toddler

Safety in walking to school

Make sure your child’s walk to a school is a safe route with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.

How language and thought are learned

Language & speech are primarily learned through imitation & observation. During infancy, babies listen & they pay close attention

How to not lose school supplies

Lost school supplies may be a given, but gear that’s hard to miss can stave off the inevitable. Pack all their pencils, erasers, and other goodies into a bright backpack or pencil pouch to keep them from disappearing.

Kitchen safety tip.

When cooking, use the back burners on the stove and turn all pot handles towards the back of the stove.

Deals on school supplies

One strategy when you find a great deal on basic supplies such as paper, pencils, crayons, binders, etc, is to stock up with at least three of each item. The kids are well-stocked for the first day of school, and you can restock at least twice later in the school year.

Sleep for preschoolers

Preschoolers should get about 11-13 hours of sleep a night, not always the easiest task. But a good night’s sleep will help him concentrate, feel less cranky and put him in an overall good mood.

From: preschoolers.about.com Opens in new window