Guide

10 Tips to Prepare Your Little One for Their First Day of Preschool

May 15, 2025 - By Sebastian

Getting Ready for Your Child’s First Day of Preschool

Starting preschool is a big and exciting moment for your child. It’s like discovering ice cream for the first time or splashing in puddles after a rainstorm. Helping your little one get ready for their first day—especially at a place like Kia Mena Montessori—can make everything easier and a lot more fun. With some simple steps, you can help your child feel happy and confident about going to preschool.

1. Take a Visit Together

Before their first day, go visit the preschool with your child. This helps them feel comfortable with their new environment. At Kia Mena Montessori, you can meet the friendly teachers, explore classrooms, and even make a new friend. It’s a great way to help your child feel safe and excited.

2. Start a Daily Routine

Children love routine—it makes them feel secure. Try to start waking up, eating breakfast, and getting dressed at the same time each morning. Practicing this before preschool starts helps your child get used to their new schedule and avoids rushed mornings.

3. Talk About What to Expect

Preschool can sound like a big adventure! Tell your child about the fun activities, story time, playing with others, and even snack time. Let them ask questions and share how they feel. Talking about what happens at preschool can make everything feel more normal.

4. Practice Being Apart for a Little While

It can be hard to leave mom or dad, so start practicing short separations, like staying with a grandparent while you go to the store. Try a special goodbye, like a hug, a kiss, or a fun secret handshake. It gives them comfort and helps them know you’ll always come back.

5. Give Them Chances to Play with Other Kids

Preschool is more fun when kids know how to share, talk, and play with others. Set up playdates or join family events at the library or park. These early social times help build confidence and teach your child how to make new friends.

6. Help Them Be Independent

Let your child try things on their own, like putting on their shoes or brushing their teeth. Doing little tasks helps them feel proud and strong. You can even let them pack their own backpack or pick out their clothes for preschool.

7. Put Their Name on Everything

Make sure to label their stuff—backpack, coat, snack containers—so it doesn’t get lost. Make it fun by using bright stickers or writing their name together. It helps your child take care of their things and keeps everything easy to find.

8. Make a Fun Goodbye Plan

If goodbyes are tough, try having a special goodbye routine. A big hug, silly wave, or a few kind words whispered in their ear can help them feel brave. Saying goodbye in the same way every day helps them know everything’s okay.

9. Read Books About Preschool

Books are a wonderful way to show your child what preschool is like. These stories help them feel ready and understood. Some good ones to try include:

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney
Maisy Goes to Preschool by Lucy Cousins

Reading together also helps your child talk about their feelings in a simple, fun way.

10. Stay Calm and Positive

Your child will look to you for clues on how to feel. If you are calm and happy, they’re more likely to be happy too. Even if you feel a little nervous, showing excitement helps them feel safe and brave.

You’ve Got This!

With these 10 easy tips, your child’s first day at preschool—especially at Kia Mena Montessori—can be a happy and smooth start to their learning journey. Take your time preparing, enjoy the little steps, and before you know it, they’ll be running into school with a big smile.

Helpful Resources for Parents

Want to learn more about how to help your child with preschool? Check out these great resources:

Every parent and child experiences this change in their own way. With love and a little planning, your family will be ready for this exciting step!