As the beginning of the new school year approaches, parents are naturally concerned about their child’s first day of school. Here are some suggestions for parents that will ease that initial transition from home to school.
Making the First Day of School More Comfortable
Be very positive about school in your talks with your child. Point out that you are excited about going to school because it will be so much fun. Talk about school as a place where he/she will learn lots of new things. Talk about all the new friends he/she will meet.
Become aware of your own concerns and fears about your child’s new experience and his ability to handle it. If you are experiencing any fears, your child will tend to pick up on them and become scared as well.
The best way to deal with your concerns is to remind yourself that your child will be fine; that you picked this school because you know that the staff will take good care of your child and that you will always be welcome to come into the school, to talk to and work with the teacher if there are any problems.
Read some books together about the first day of school. Sharing a book gets your child to talk about his feelings and helps prepare him for his new experience. These books on starting school should be available at your local library.
What to do before coming to the centre?
Set a routine such as telling a story, talking or singing or any activity that your child likes on the way to the centre. Follow this same routine everyday as this will build up the confidence and provide your child with a sense of security.
At The Centre
Establish a routine for arrival such as greeting, signing in, saying good byes.
Inform the teacher when you are leaving, do not leave without informing your child as this will violate your child’s trust.
Be sure to keep your promises on pick up time.
Remember to give a hug and a kiss before you leave.
You may call the centre to find out how your child is doing after you have left or anytime throughout the day. In case the teacher is not available, the Centre Supervisor will check and update you accordingly.
What to expect of my child's health?
For the first 3 months, some children may fall sick, may not want to come to school, throw temper tantrums and may not have a good appetite. Only a small number of children will experience these.
Coping with Separation Anxiety
Separating can be an emotional time for you and your child. You will both experience many emotions, and your child will often be caught between his or her own need to be close to you and growing independence. Here are some strategies that may help make the process go smoothly.
Before School
If possible, invite your child’s teacher to visit your home. Your child will be able to see that you know the teacher and trust her.
Do something special together the night before.
Together you can pick out what he/she would like to wear the
next day.
Try to have a special morning ritual.
It might be fixing a good breakfast for yourselves and other family members.
Decide on a special ‘friend’ or object to bring to school.
Ask your child if he or she wants to take a stuffed animal, toy or even a favourite hat. These objects can be comforting.
On the way to school, discuss what each of you will be doing that day.
After your child had adjusted to school and knows you will be leaving, talk about what you will be doing after you leave.
Let your child see that you and his/her teacher are building a relationship.
Greet your child’s teacher warmly, stay and talk just a bit, and bring your child into a conversation.
Take time to say goodbye
Clear goodbyes build trust. Over time, goodbyes can strengthen your child’s belief that you will come back.
Extracted from Hereford, N.Lane, M.Schall, J., Parent Communication Tips, 1992.
Rules & Regulations
Report to staff once you have arrived.
Always greet staff with good manners.
Any action that shows disrespect or others is not permitted. Show care, consideration, respect and helpfulness to your friends, staff at Global CDC.
Vulgarities and physical fighting may cause injuries.
Students will have to replace items being vandalised.
Throwing of objects may destroy property and injure others.
Running may cause fall and injuries.
You will not hear others if you shout and scream.
Be kind and polite. Use words like “Please”, “Thank You”.
Place books and toys in their original position after using them and keep the play area and library tidy.
Obtain consent if you wish to use the telephone or any electrical appliances.
If you are unsure of anything, check with staff.
Best View with Internet Explorer 5.0+, 1024x768 Resolution
