Making the first week easier

Starting a new school, even a warm and familiar one, is a big step for little ones (and for the parents dropping them off). A few tears at the door are normal, and most children settle in faster than parents expect. Here are some simple things that make the first week smoother for everyone.

Before the first day

A little preparation at home goes a long way:

• Talk about it simply. A few sentences about what school will be like (friends, toys, snack time) helps more than a long explanation.
• Practice the routine. Try running through drop-off morning once or twice before the real thing, so it feels familiar.
• Pack a comfort item. A small blanket, stuffed animal, or family photo can help during the adjustment.
• Label everything. Bottles, bags, lunch boxes, and extra clothes are easiest to keep track of when they have a name on them.

What to expect at drop-off

Keep goodbyes short, warm, and confident. A quick hug, a consistent goodbye phrase, and a smile tell your child that this is a safe place and that you’ll be back. Lingering, even out of love, often makes the moment harder for both of you. If tears do come, know that they usually fade within a few minutes of you leaving, and our teachers are right there to comfort your child and get them settled into the morning.

What’s normal (and what’s not)

• Normal: tears at drop-off that ease once you’re gone, a quieter or clingier evening at home, and a few days of adjusting to nap and meal routines.
• Worth a conversation with us: tears that don’t ease at all during the day, changes in eating or sleeping that last more than a week or two, or anything that feels off to you as a parent. Trust your instincts, and reach out. We’re always happy to talk it through.

How we help

Our teachers watch new children closely during the first week and adjust as needed, extra one-on-one attention, a familiar face nearby, or simply time. For infants and toddlers, we do our best to keep feeding and nap times close to what you’re already doing at home, and we’ll share updates so you know how the day went.

A few tips from our teachers

• Arrive a little early the first few days so there’s no rush.
• Stick to the same goodbye routine every day; consistency builds trust faster than variety.
• Pick up on time, especially that first week, so your child learns they can count on you.
• Give it two full weeks before drawing conclusions. Most children need that long to truly settle in.

Every child adjusts at their own pace, and our teachers have guided many families through this exact moment. If you have questions before or during your child’s first week, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re in this together.